Indigenousyouthprogramsfunded
KawarthaWorldIssues CentrereceivesOntario TrilliumFoundation, Canada150Fundgrants forSeedsofJusticeand TRACKSprograms
Two indigenous-focused youth programsreceivedfundingFriday that has enabled them to create new programming.
Seeds for Justice and Trent Aboriginal Cultural Knowledge and Science (TRACKS) are youth programs supported by Kawartha World Issues Centre (KWIC).
Theprogramsfocusonengaging indigenous, newcomer and nonindigenous youth in leadership training and education on social and environmental issues, using a peer-mentorship model.
Seeds for Justice received $63,270 from the federal government’sCanada150Fundforanew workshop series, Stories of Place and Belonging.
TRACKS got $73,700 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to launch Oshkoozin, a new mentorship program for indigenous youth.
The funding announcements were made at Hobbs Library in Sadleir House on George Street, where KWIC is located.
Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef revealed the federal funding and Peterborough MPP Jeff Leal was on hand to assist a foundation volunteer in announcing OTF’s funding.
Rachelia Giardino is the youth programco-ordinatorforSeedsof Justice.
She said Stories of Place and Belonging will bring together youthtoexplorethemesofdecolonization, truth and reconciliation through food, water and land.
“We’re really focused on inspiring hope and change,” she said.
Robyn Smith, TRACKS youth program director, said Oshkoozin is geared towards teens 14 to 16 who are phasing out of TRACKS children’s program.
She hopes the new program will keepadolescencesengaged,inspiring them to stay involved with TRACKS.
“We think it’s going to help us withsustainabilityasweworkwith a cohort of youth that will work with us as volunteers and eventually graduating up to a more staff role,” said Smith.
Earlier in the day, Community CarePeterboroughlaunchedanew initiative after receiving $66,200 from OTF in October.
ItsnewCaregiverReliefProgram allows family caregivers to take a break while their loved one is looked after by a relief volunteer.
The goal is to reduce the social isolation experienced by family caregivers, who don’t get a lot of Ontario Trillium Foundation funding recipients Kyla Judge of TRACKS Youth Program, left, Rachel Giardino of Kawartha World Issues Centre/ Seeds for Justice and program director Robyn Smith of TRACKS get acquainted during an open house and youth project launch presented by KWIC on Friday at Sadleir House on George Street. The launch included acknowledgement of financial support received from the federal government and the Ontario Trillium Foundation. See more photographs from the announcement in the online gallery at www. thepeterboroughexaminer.com. time to themselves.
CommunityCareprovidesservices to seniors and adults with physical challenges who live at home throughout the city and county.
The non-profit organization is looking for volunteers for the new program. To register to become a caregiverreliefvolunteer,call705742-7067.