This May, the Windsor Public Library will be celebrating Aboriginal Awareness Week (AAW). This event takes place the four days following Victoria Day (May 20-23). AAW was created to honour the Aboriginal people and cultures of Canada and is a great opportunity to learn more about the Métis, Inuit and First Nations members of our community. Help WPL celebrate this week by learning more about Aboriginal culture and the issues affecting Aboriginal members of our Canadian mosaic. A number of organizations within the Windsor and Essex-County area are great resources for information on this topic and provide important services and programs to the Aboriginal community.
The Can-Am Indian Friendship Centre
This grass roots driven organization strives to improve the quality of life for Windsor and Essex-County community members. The Friendship Centre develops programs and services that encompass the cultural, economic, social and political objectives of the Aboriginal community. The Centre provides programs addressing mental health and wellness, employment training, literacy and outreach for youth. This organization advocates on behalf of Aboriginal people within Windsor and Essex-County to remain committed to a Code of Ethics that sees all individuals as equals. Check out their event calendar for upcoming programs and activities.
Location: 2929 Howard Avenue, Windsor, Ontario, N8X 4W4
Contact: 519.253.3243 admin@caifc.ca
Website: http://www.caifc.ca
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The Turtle Island Aboriginal Education Centre
The University of Windsor is home to the Aboriginal Education Centre. This organization was created in 1992 to provide services that meet the needs of Aboriginal students and to provide them with a culturally supportive atmosphere on campus. The Aboriginal Education Centre hosts gatherings for its student population such as drum socials and luncheons and provides a variety of services including a computer lab, quiet study spaces and volunteering opportunities. The Centre also provides outreach support and programming to First Nations youth in the surrounding Windsor-Essex County community.
Location: 496 Sunset Avenue, Windsor,Ontario, N9B 3B1
Contact: 519.253.3000 ext. 3481 turtleisland@uwindsor.ca
Website: http://www1.uwindsor.ca/aec
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Metis Nation of Ontario Community Council
The Local Metis Nation of Ontario Community Council provides a variety of services and programs aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the Metis and off-reserve residents of Windsor and Essex-County. This organization offers health service programs, employment training, Internet access workstations, bursaries and volunteering opportunities. Visitors are welcome to their offices to receive information on the organization. Applications for Metis Nation of Ontario citizenship and/or Harvesters card are also accepted at this location.
Location: 600 Tecumseh Road East, Suite 145, Windsor, Ontario, N8X 4X9
Contact: 519.974.0860 wemetis@bellnet.ca
Website: http://www.metisnation.org
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Aboriginal Child Resource Centre
This Federal-Public Health Agency that offers cultural based services to support the healthy development of children 0 – 6 years old and their families. The Centre provides family health information, workshops, seminars, parent relief, a clothing exchange program and family recreational activities. A great resource for new and expecting parents and a place to learn more about health issues affecting the Aboriginal community.
Location: 763 Giles Boulevard East, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 4E5
Contact: 519.252.9183
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Aboriginal Student Centre and Services
The Aboriginal Student Centre and Services (ACSC) are located on the campus of St. Clair College. This organization offers a culturally based support system to its Aboriginal student population and provides a welcoming space to gather, study, access computers and to socialize. ACSC provides social support and counseling services to assist current and prospective students. Native programming is also available through St. Claire, offered in off-site campuses which are accredited through the college. Those interested in more information on the ASCS are encouraged to contact their offices.
Location: 2000 Talbot Road West, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 6S4
Contact: 519.972.2727 ext. 4677 mnahdee@stclaircollege.ca
Website: http://www.stclaircollege.ca/studservices/aboriginal
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Caldwell First Nation
The Caldwell First Nation is a Potawatomi and Anishinaabe (Ojibwa) community that has its offices in Leamington, Ontario. This organization offers a variety of services including educational programs, health information seminars, job training and youth-oriented programs. The Caldwell Library will be having an open house during Aboriginal Awareness Week on May 22 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm and on May 24 from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Those wanting more information about the Caldwell First Nation community and their services are encouraged to attend.
Location: 14 Orange Street, Leamington, Ontario, N8H 1P5
Contact: 519.322.1766 wlh@porchlight.ca
Website: http://www.caldwellfirstnation.com
Visit WPL for more information on these organizations. Be sure to look next week for our post celebrating Aboriginal Awareness Week, which will focus on resources and information the library can provide about Aboriginal culture.