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Mi’kmaw Child Development Centre
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Mi’kmaq Child Development Centre (MCDC)
Family Resource Programs
MCDC Staff

Proudly Serving the Urban Indigenous Community for over 25 years!

The Mi'kmaq Child Development Centre (MCDC) is a non for profit resource organization consisting Aboriginal Head-Start (AHS), Community Action Program for Children (CAPC), and a provincially funded Daycare program. The MCDC provides a wealth of services through the Family Resource Programs. 

The vision of MCDC is to create a sense of community and belonging for the Indigenous population in the urban area. AHS & CAPC provide culturally sensitive, empowering environment for parents and children to feel at "home". 

Our goal is to create an atmosphere that supports participation in programs and activities providing a holistic approach and balance to live by modelling the Medicine Wheel approach with focusing on the spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental aspects.

 

Hours of Operation:

Monday & Friday: 7:45AM-5:30PM

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: 7:45AM – 8:00PM 

Saturdays: 12:00PM - 4:00PM for Annual Monthly Events

Sundays: 11:00AM - 2:00PM Biweekly

Location: 2161 Gottingen St. Halifax, NS B3K 3B5

Telephone: (902) 422-7850

Fax: (902) 422-6642

Facebook Page: Click Here

     

Provincial Funded Daycare – Offering child care within the Indigenous community for over 25 years.

Ages from 18 months – 5 years old.

Open Monday to Friday, from 7:45AM – 5:30PM.

Family Resource Centre programs

Aboriginal Head-Start (4+) – This is a culturally based school readiness program for Indigenous children.

Parent Support Group (PSG) This is a weekly program to support parents and children based on the Medicine Wheel teachings. 

Mi’kmaq Supper This is a supper time language program where parents / children are introduced to conversational Mi’kmaq Language. 

Prenatal: Our Babies Our Way –This is an eight week program to provide expecting parents knowledge of their health and baby’s health through pregnancy. 

Postnatal: Raising Our Babies Our Way This is additional eight week program for new Moms / babies to socialize while discussing positive health and parenting styles. 

Have a Baby We'll Travel- This is a program to support families in the weeks immediately following birth.

Collective Kitchen: Cooking Our Way This is a hands-on cooking / shopping budgeting experience that increases families access to healthy meals. 

Parent & Tot (Kelsalul) – This is a Parent and Child interaction program where parent / child positive involvement is encouraged in a relaxed cultural setting. 

Kids & Culture (K&C) – This is a culturally appropriate program which aims to develop socialization skills amongst a group of peers while participating in community based activities. 

Nutrition Bingo An educational and fun filled program intended to broaden Indigenous families’ knowledge and access to healthy affordable foods while learning Mi’kmaq words. 

Monthly Family Events This is a monthly outing to provide parents with access to family activities including: Eagle watch, Family Sleigh Ride, Family Walkathon, Sweet-grass picking, etc. 

NKlamuksis (Uncle) – This is a program where male caregivers gather with their children to provide support to one another while participating in activities of their choice. 

Annual Family Powwow Trip This is an annual trip, with over 25 year history, promoting culture, tradition, and drug & alcohol free life while providing a setting for positive family interaction. 

Community Outreach This a Community outreach to both new and existing families throughout the metro area. 

Donna Frizzell – MCDC Coordinator

Lee Thomas - MCDC Coordinator

Lisa Robinson – Wholistic Support Worker

Crystin Edwards - Program Cultural Support Facilitator

Keeley Stubbs – Aboriginal Head-Start Instructor

Cody Swanson - Aboriginal Head-Start Support

Chelsea Oxner – Daycare Instructor

Maddy Frizzell – Daycare Instructor

Jessica Roussel - Daycare Instructor

Amy Smith – Daycare Program Cook

Chris Simon – Maintenance 

Anna – MCDC friendly Cat

Everyone Every Day (Participatory Cities)
Halifax Coalition for Indigenous Peoples
National Database Project
Sitamuk Cultural Post

Visit our website here!

https://www.participatorycanada.ca/

 

Every One Every Day brings together people from different parts of the North End neighbourhood to create and learn from one another. Projects range from batch cooking and community meals, sharing cultural knowledge and traditions, building useful and fun items for the neighbourhood, as well as every variety of making, crafting, sewing, repairing, fixing and much more. All together, these projects build opportunities for neighbours to work together on creative and practical projects that draw on the many gifts and talents of people living nearby.   

Central to this work in Kjipuktuk-Halifax, is bringing people together to live and learn in ways that  honour our responsibilities as Treaty People, and working together daily to build a more reconciled future for all. As we consider the impacts of our work and the resident-led activities we work to support, this means creating space for truth and healing, thinking and acting for future generations, recognizing our inter-connectedness, and working with Indigenous people and communities to build Indigenous identity and belonging in the urban context.    

 

How Can I Get Involved? 

There are many ways to get involved. The best place to start is to stop by the Every One Every Day Neighbourhood Shop located at 2169 Gottingen Street. During opening hours, anyone is welcome to come in for a chat and a cup of tea (or coffee!) with one of our project designers. Do you have a skill to share or a project you’d like to work on with others? Let’s make it happen together! Learn more and take part in seasonal programs by following updates on our website: www.halifaxiseveryone.ca 

Contact Us: 

everyone.everyday@mymnfc.comPhone: 902-405-0433 (landline)Facebook: everyoneeverydayhalifaxTwitter: @halifaxiseveryone

Program Director and Contact:
Aimee Gasparetto (She/Her)
Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre
2021 Gottingen St. Halifax, NS B3K 3B4

Everyone Everyday Office
2169 Gottingen St.,
Kjipuktuk (Halifax), NS B3K3B4
 
Hours
Saturday-Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday-Friday: 10:00AM-4:00PM
 
e-mail: aimee.gasparetto@mymnfc.com
Phone: 902-401-0324

The Halifax Coalition for Urban Indigenous Peoples is a project funded by ISC. The Coalition consists of organizations (Indigenous and non-Indigenous lead), governmental departments and service providers in Kjipuktuk (HRM) working together for the betterment of the urban Indigenous community. 

The Coalition strives to develop strategic partnerships between organizations to address multiple barriers the urban Indigenous community face on a daily basis along with developing long-term solutions to help make Kjipuktuk a place where Indigenous people are valued, respected, supported and experience a sense of belonging.

The Coalition has a core membership with three sub-working groups. Each group meeting provides networking opportunities, relationship building, and collaborations, all for the advancement of the urban Indigenous community. These working groups meet monthly to focus on the following:

  • Housing and Homelessness
  • Education, Employment and Training
  • Health and Mental Wellness

 

The Coalition will also continue to guide the community planning and work on the implementation of the Halifax Urban Indigenous Community Strategy.

 

Coalition Coordinator: Trena Empringham

Email: trena.empringham@mymnfc.com

Phone: 902-420-1576

Cell: 902-880-6722

 

For more information, click on the website Bridging Across Canada Database

 

Sitamuk Cultural Post

In 2021, MNFC’s Partnership with Develop Nova Scotia saw the opportunity to utilize an unused showroom constructed in 2018 near the Summit boardwalk of the waterfront location in Kjipuktuk (Halifax). Halifax Waterfront strategic direction included expanding their focus to work with communities across the province to build places that attract people and investment. This aligned with some long-term goals of our Centre including reinstating a Mi’kmaq presence in the area while providing economic development that benefits the indigenous community as part of our ongoing tourism strategy.

The initial project objective is to utilize the space as a storefront to sell Mi’kmaq and Indigenous artisans, crafts and souvenirs while creating a place to showcase the rich culture and history. With Kjipuktuk being the largest and most populated city of the Maritimes, our aim is to eventually become a central tourism hub connecting people to the many communities and landmarks of Mi’kma’ki Nova Scotia.

Renovations begun in the spring of 2022.

Now Open!

Employment & Skills Training
NEO (Native Employment Officer)
Youth Employment Strategy (YES)

The Employment & Skills Training Program works collaboratively with external businesses, communities and networks to build and maintain partnerships; to provide access to programs and services that support the development of skills, training, work experiences and ultimately employment to our clients.

 

Employment & Skills Training Managers:

Melanie Sack: yetiwrk@hotmail.com

Trish Glode-Chisholm: glodetrish@gmail.com 

The Employment & Training Program provides clients access to programs and services that support the development of skills, training, work experiences and ultimately employment. The Employment & Training Program works collaboratively with external businesses, communities and networks to build and maintain partnerships. This program currently has no funding dollars but can assist with the following areas:

• Assistance with career decision making

• Providing a quality client needs assessments.

• Access to information regarding employment opportunities, Occupational and labour market information.

• Assisting clients to develop and commit to a career action plan.

• Working with clients to identify and overcome barriers to employment.

• Provides employment services and programs that are required to meet clients’ needs within the community.

• Provide Employment measures such as life skills; resume writing, job finding clubs, work readiness workshops and job search skills, etc.

• Arranges interviews and contacts employers.

• Conducts follow-up of client’s progress.

• Referrals to other programs and services available to clients both internal and outside their local community.

• Promote partnership responsibilities with clients, employers and the Friendship Centre.

• Develops and maintains good working relationships with various community groups.

• Visits employers in the surrounding area.

(902) 420-1576 

 

The Skills Link program is a component of the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy (YES). Through funding of organizations, the Skills Link program helps Youth overcome barriers to employment; develop a broad range of Skills and Knowledge in order to participate in the current and future labour market and to promote education and skills as being key to labour market participation. These barriers include, but are not limited to, challenges, faced by recent immigrant youth, youth with disabilities, single parent youth, youth who have not completed high school, mental health, Indigenous youth, and youth living in rural or remote areas. 

The Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre partnered with 12 First Nation communities across the province, 3 Indigenous organizations and over 48 employers to offer a 30-week employment and training program. Through our partnerships we were able to network and engaged with 75 individuals securing long-term meaningful employment as well as returning to school to further achieve individual educational goals.

We were able to place all 75 Youth participants in various fields and industries based on their individual goals and interests. 

Jordan’s Principle
Parenting Journey
Urban Youth Outreach Program

Jordan's Principle

Jordan's Principle is named in memory of Jordan River Anderson, a young boy from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba. Jordan was born with multiple disabilities and stayed in the hospital from birth. When Jordan was 2 years old, doctors said he could move home, however, the federal and provincial governments could not agree on who should pay for his home-based care. Because of this, Jordan was detained in the hospital until he passed away at the age of 5, never having spent a day of his short life in his home, with his family, community, and culture.

Jordan's Principle makes sure all First Nations and Inuit children living in Canada can access the products, services and supports they need, when they need them. Funding can help with a wide range of health, social and educational needs. The services that are covered by Jordan’s Principle vary according to the nature of each child’s individual need/diagnosis/conditions. As this is a needs-based principle, there is not a list of all services and supports that are available.

Jordan's Principle is open to all First Nations and Inuit children in Canada who are under the age of 19 years, regardless of where they live (i.e. on/off reserve). Any First Nations and Inuit child who requires health, social, educational or cultural services or supports is eligible to apply. A recent ruling has extended eligibility to children who do not have Status but whose parents are eligible for Status, or who are formally recognized by their Band.

Link to Government of Canada’s Jordan’s Principle website: click here or the below image.

Every child's situation is unique. If you are the parent/guardian of a child who has concerns that they have an unmet need and could use more support, please reach out to arrange a time to meet with us to discuss the options that may be available. Case coordination at the Friendship Centre helps families have an opportunity to disclose the needs of their children in a culturally safe environment.

Program Coordinator:

Michelle Cuvelier michelle.cuvelier@mymnfc.com

Case Worker Contact:

Megan Gray (Jordan’s Principle Administrative Case Aid) megan.gray@mymnfc.com

Click here to view Jordan’s Principle Handbook by Assembly of First Nations.

Parenting Journey - Home Visitation Program

Parenting Journey is a home visitation program to promote the healthy development and overall well-being of families. We support families with children between the ages of 0-19 and who may be experiencing complex social, emotional and familial challenges. Parenting journey is a free program where families can refer themselves or referred by another program. 

How can I support you & your family? 

  • Culturally based programming & teachings
    • Medicine wheel, smudging, 7 grandfather teachings
  • Help you identify your parenting needs and goals
    • Support in strengthening parent-child relationships, share positive parenting approaches
  • Share information on child and youth development 
    • Developmental milestones, stages of play, age appropriate behaviours
  • Support in problem solving around challenging behaviours
    • Emotional regulation, daily routines & transitions, coping skills
  • Support navigating community agencies and schools
    • Attend meetings as extra support
  • Connecting families with community resources
    • Connecting families with culturally appropriate resources (wherever possible)

Parenting Journey Home Visitors

  • Collaborate with families to develop goal-based family plans to improve overall family functioning;
  • Meet families where they are with visits taking place in their homes or other community locations;
  • Work with families to build meaningful helping relationships to identify strengths, resources, challenges and priorities.

The History

Indigenous families in Nova Scotia are over-represented in the Child Welfare system due to the effects of generational trauma, discrimination, and segregation. There is a major lack of culturally based programs and services for families which builds a barrier for families reaching out for help.

The Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre will work with families to address their needs and barriers within a holistic and culturally appropriate framework.

If you are interested or would like more information on the Parenting Journey program; please call 902-420-1576 or email Laurie.collins@mymnfc.com

Atelihai Inuit Program
Community Programming
Mawita'jik Annual Pow wow Project
Cultural Sharing
Training for non-Indigenous Organizations

Atelihai Inuit Staff

Frances Palliser-Nicholas - Program Manager

Dora Takatak - Cultural Coordinator

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/609548982540334/

Backpack Program

Our backpack program helps to support urban Indigenous students who are heading off to school. This program is for students attending school within the HRM, and goes from grades pre-primary to post-secondary. The students receive a backpack filled with supplies based on their grade level.
 
  
 
 
For more information contact:
Brittany - brittany.whynot@mymnfc.com
                 or
Trish - trish@mymnfc.com

 

Urban Indigenous Community Christmas Cheer

Christmas Cheer is a program of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre which helps urban Indigenous peoples to have the Christmas they deserve.

This year is the 20th year! Christmas Cheer started with food hampers to help out the students struggling during the Holiday season. It has grown to include families, Elders, single people, and our homeless community members.

Since it started in 2002, the program has grown to helping 55 +families each year, totalling over 725 Christmas cheer packages given out to date.

We have partnered with sponsors/community members to buy gifts for the children, turkeys and winter wear. Families have a wish list and we try our best to give them a couple of things on their list. We even try to get a little something for mom/dad. There are Packages for the elders and single people. Each Cheer package comes with personal care items, a grocery gift card, a pharmacy gift card and a Walmart card to help with the day to day needs of the community members. This has been a great addition to our program.

With COVID-19, Christmas Cheer has given us a demand like never before, we were assisting 30-34 families and now almost 55 families reach out to us.

The wonderful team of volunteer staff and our amazing sponsors have really helped us pull off a true Christmas miracle for these families.

    

March Break / Summer Camp

Offered during the SRSB March Break and the first month of Summer break. The camps are offered to youth ages 5-12 and run from 9:30am-3:30pm.
We provide a culturally age appropriated crafts, in house activities, storytelling, outing, and much more. We partner with local organizations to be able provide an educational element to the camp, which include: The Discovery Centre, Mad Science, and Zatzman Sportplex. We provide breakfast, snacks and lunch through out the day. We are a Mi'kmaw focused camp and many of our crafts and storytelling will be relevant to the culture. We aim to be a welcoming and inclusive environment to the youth that attend the camps, and encourage friendship and connection from our participants. 

Urban Indigenous Community Christmas Dinner

 

Annual Orange Shirt/Treaty-Day event

 

Hosting an annual urban public gathering to celebrate Indigenous culture by show-casing traditional drumming, dancing and craft.

 

 

 

To register for Drumming, Dancing, Vendor or Volunteer for the 2023 Competition Pow Wow; Click on the link --> Mawita'jik Pow Wow (mawitajik.ca)

  • Non-Indigenous Groups: To increase, enhance and update Non-Indigenous knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture.

 

 
New Horizons – Seniors Programming

Seniors: Planning and hosting for an annual Elder’s dinner and a gathering with the youth. Also, involves other areas of aging that affects the urban Indigenous population or enhances cultural knowledge to non-Indigenous groups.

Wije’winen Health Centre
Active Living Community
Ajaita’nej” (Let’s move)
Indigenous Mental Health & Wellness

Introduction

Wije'winen Health Centre is a program of the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Society. It opened in July 2022 with a mandate to provide culturally relevant care to members of the Urban Indigenous community in Halifax Regional Municipality. Wije'winen Health Centre was established through a collaboration between the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Society, the National Association of Friendship Centres, Dalhousie University's Department of Family Medicine, and Nova Scotia Health. 

Programs and Services

The wije'winen Health Centre is a Family Medicine Clinic - we are here to provide primary care for families.

This can include:

  • Chronic disease management
  • Maternal, child, and youth care
  • Mental health and addictions treatment
  • Primary or continuing care
  • Public Health
  • Referral to specialist care when needed

Visit website

Contact

Suite 209 - 2021 Brunswick Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3K 2Y5

(P) 902-406-0851
(F) 844-779-0321

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Closed 12pm - 1pm for lunch

Ajaita’nej - "Let's move"

Ajaita’nej works in a wholistic, trauma informed focus to reduce barriers, promote fitness, and to provide access to services and programs that improve the overall health and well-being of the Urban Indigenous Community.  

This is a brand new program to the MNFC so it is still in its infancy. So far the programming offered has been centred on the youth, but the goal is to expand that so that there is activities and programs available to all ages.  

Examples of things we have done so far: Learn to Powwow Dance, L’nu Kamakn Ski and Snowboarding, Introduction to Judo, Learn to Sail, Lacrosse camp, Ji’memkewey Paddling, etc.  

We also offer help with applying for funding to cover costs associated with sports and recreational activities. Things like: Affordable Access program to access Halifax Rec programs and centres, Jump Start, Kidsport, referral to Jordan’s Principle, etc.

Check out our Facebook group; https://www.facebook.com/groups/5298746053477942

Program coordinator: Jesse Benjamin

E-mail: jesse.benjamin@mymnfc.com 

Phone: 902-420-1576 ext. 279 

 

Urban Indigenous Mental Health & Wellness Program

The Urban Indigenous Mental Health & Wellness Program provides culturally specific, wholisitic, trauma-informed services for the Indigenous community. Programs and services are available for community members ages 18 + (unless specified) and are based on the philosophy of the Medicine Wheel Teachings. We provide both individual and group supports.  We use a two-eyed seeing (Etuaptmumk) approach to care for others.

Keep an eye on MNFC's Facebook page for our group posters.

Staff:

Jennifer MacLennan Indigenous Mental Health & Wellness Program Manager

Contact: jennifer.maclennan@mymnfc.com, 902-420-1576 ext. 212

Yolanda A. Pennell - Indigenous Mental Health & Wellness Cultural Advisor

Contact: yolanda.pennell@mymnfc.com , 902-420-1576 ext. 220

Muin Paul - Cultural Facilitator

Contact: muin.paul@mymnfc.com, 902-420-1576 ext. 298

Christina Anstey - Navigator/Intake

Contact: christina.anstey@mymnfc.com , 902-499-6819

Kendall Paul - Mental Health Counsellor

Contact: kendall.paul@mymnfc.com ,  902-420-1576 ext. 286

Peer Outreach Support Services & Education (POSSE)
Direction 180
Mainline Needle Exchange

 Peer Outreach Support Service & Education (POSSE)

 

Check out our website for more information: http://www.posseproject.ca/

Or reach out to us at info@posseproject.ca

Outreach Line: 902.799.0752

In Peace and Friendship,

Kimm Kent (She/They), Co-Founder / Director of POSSE Project

Contact info: Phone 902.799.0797 Email kimm.kent@mymnfc.com

 

We acknowledge that we are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship”. It was never surrendered or conquered. We are all treaty people.

Direction 180, a program of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, is a non-profit community-based opioid treatment program located in the North End of Halifax, Nova Scotia. In operation since 2001, Direction 180 works primarily with people who use substances (PWUS). Employing a low threshold harm reduction model of care, Direction 180 continues to offer treatment and support to PWUS regardless if a person discontinues the use of opioids and/or other substances and alcohol.   

Direction 180’s multidisciplinary team includes physicians, nurses, social workers, administrative staff and people with lived and living experience, all of whom have personal experience and/or whose specialty of practice is related to the management of substance use disorders, mental health disorders, blood borne pathogens, social determinants of health and the criminal justice system. 

The mission of Direction 180 is to reduce the inherent risks associated with opioid use disorder (OUD) and intravenous drug use (IDU) including; decreasing the spread of blood borne infections (HIV, hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis A (HAV), hepatitis B (HBV)), sexually transmitted infections, vaccine-preventable infections, fatal drug poisoning, endocarditis, and social harms including homelessness, involvement with sex work and the criminal justice system.   

 Since inception, Direction 180 has successfully developed and implemented over 50 research projects, health promotion initiatives, needs assessments and demonstration projects with the aim of reducing the inherent risks of substance use, while improving health and social outcomes for PWUS. 

Substance User Network of the Atlantic Region:

A peer-led, regional network of people who use substances (PWUS, former & current) across Atlantic Canada. SUNAR aims to unite, inform and increase engagement between (PWUS) and service providers & policymakers as well as to decrease stigma and save lives.

 

 

 

Paula Martin, Program Manager 

Phone: 902-420-0566 EXT 211 

Email: paulam@direction180.ca 

Location: 2151 Gottingen Street, Halifax, NS B3K 3B5 

Mainline Needle Distribution & Disposal (also known as Mainline Needle Exchange), a program of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, is a health promotion organization based on a harm reduction model. Mainline’s goals are to reduce the acquisition and transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B & C among people who use drugs, and to increase awareness and knowledge of HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B & C and social issues affecting people who use drugs. Mainline is dedicated to supporting people who currently use or previously used drugs to focus on their well-being through raising awareness of the risks, education and empowerment.

Objectives:

• To reduce the harms associated with drug use, including the sharing of needles, syringes and other drug using supplies by providing needles, syringes, sterile water, filters, matches, vitamin c, safer use kits, condoms, as well as the collection and proper disposal of needles.

• To provide awareness and education on harm reduction, particularly safer injection and sexual practices, overdose prevention, and general health information.

• To provide peer support, including assistance with exploring and accessing detox, treatment and methadone, health services, education and employment as well as support with legal, social services and housing issues.

• To create an environment of stakeholders, partners and networks to promote community supports for individuals who use illicit drugs.

People who use drugs face layers of intersecting disadvantages. They suffer a disproportionate burden of poor health, as well as complex health and social problems such as mental health issues, poverty, discrimination, low education, homelessness, and exposure to physical and structural violence. Despite their typically poor health, people who use drugs also face difficulties accessing health care services, and frequently report negative experiences that lead them to stop care against medical advice, or to delay or avoid seeking care in the future. These individuals experience a degree of health and social inequity that is not acceptable in Canada. Mainline has developed varied service models to increase accessibility for individuals and provides services through a fixed site and through central and provincial mobile outreach. Mainline is open 365 days/year and works to meet people “where they are at” both geographically and in terms of the health and social challenges they face.

Mainline plays a critical and essential role in reducing risks and improving the health of people who use illicit drugs in Nova Scotia. Evidence from the past 30 years has demonstrated the successes and benefits of a harm reduction approach in terms of reducing transmission of disease. It has also been shown that the formal and informal connections facilitated by a safe, non-judgmental approach also help individuals to access addictions treatment, as well as necessary health and social services. Furthermore, efforts of harm reduction organizations are critical in chipping away at the stigma of drug use and poverty, providing safe spaces to seek help and support, as well as increasing connections between this marginalized population and the broader community.

For over 30 years, Mainline has been the linchpin for services in Halifax supporting people who use drugs, and a leader in the fight against Hepatitis C and HIV. Mainline was founded in 1992 as a grassroots, peer-run organization, and has continually expanded its scope of services and network of partners and clients. Mainline works with a large network of partners to expand its reach and scope, enhance integration of services, reduce duplication of effort, and to disseminate its harm reduction approach throughout the community. Since its founding Mainline has recognized the importance of employing people with lived experience of substance use, and it is with this wealth of experience that Mainline engages people with compassion, kindness, humility and patience. Mainline remains a user-directed organization grounded in the “Nothing About Us Without Us” principles and the greater meaningful engagement of people who use drugs in the planning and delivery of services.

              Please visit www.mainlineneedleexchange.ca for more information.

Education
AAAPS (Aboriginal Academic Access Post-Secondary)
ALP (Adult Learning Program) & GED
Essentials & Life Skills

Adult Education Programs

Aboriginal Academic Access to Post-Secondary (AAAPS) Program

For more information, visit Aboriginal Academic Access to Post-Secondary program – Mount Saint Vincent University (msvu.ca)

Or call us at (902) 420 - 1576 

The Mi’kmaq Native Friendship Centre’s Adult Learning Program is designed for learners of all education levels to attain their high school diploma or GED. The ALP program is a culturally enriched, and safe environment for students to learn the skills they need to move forward with their educational and vocational goals. The ALP program is always doing intake for new learners and after doing an initial assessment students may start classes the following Monday.




For more information, please call (902) 420-1576 or contact us using our contact form by clicking here.

Housing program & Housing Support
Housing Staff
Etli-Sankewim+k (Housing Complex)
The Diamond Bailey Healing Centre
Sage House
Reaching Home Community Events

Homelessness & Housing

The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre offers housing services to Indigenous people experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, or eviction in the HRM area. The program operates out of the Friendship Centre and employs Housing Support Workers, and Intensive Case Managers to support folks with their housing needs.

Housing Staff

Housing Program Manager – Brittany Frizzell

Transitional Housing Coordinator – Tori Judd (she/they)

Supportive Housing Intensive Case Manager - Robyn Metcalfe

Housing Triage Worker – Donna LeBlanc

Criminal Justice Intensive Case Manager – Robin West

Criminal Justice Intensive Case Manager – Lindsey Hibbs (she/her)

Criminal Justice Housing Support Worker – Breanna Johnson (she/her)

Criminal Justice Housing Support Worker – Amanda Moloney

Family Intensive Case Manager – Philicia Dames

Family Housing Support Worker - Merrilee Rowse

Intensive Case Manager – Senna Hollihan

Intensive Case Manager –Cassie Aucoin

Housing Support Worker – Stacey Reid

Housing Case Aid – Marilena Julian

(4-Plex) Etli-Sankeweim+k

The MNFC 4-plex is a secure supportive housing facility at an undisclosed location and offers temporary safe housing for Indigenous women, children, 2-Spirited and trans community members fleeing family violence. (4-Plex) Etli-Sankeweim+k is a part of the MNFC’s housing team, and works alongside of the Support Housing Intensive Case Manager. (4-plex) Etli-Sankeweim+K is staffed during business hours Monday to Friday.

We provide support through a trauma-informed, person-centred, anti-oppressive, decolonized, and Indigenous lens, keeping harm-reduction principles in mind.

Safety is of the utmost importance in offering housing support to vulnerable populations and this will require strict confidentiality, crisis intervention and prevention.

The Diamond Healing Centre

The Diamond Bailey Healing Centre (DBHC) has been established in a response to the need within the Urban Indigenous community for an Indigenous-led, trauma-informed and culturally appropriate facility where members of the urban Indigenous community can receive healing programming in addition to stable housing.

The Diamond Bailey Healing Centre (DBHC) provides urban Indigenous community members access to culturally safe and stable housing that includes Indigenous-led cultural programming components such as land-based learning, traditional healing methods, and access to Elders and knowledge keepers. All aspects of programming at DBHC are enriched in culture and led by Indigenous people for Indigenous people.

The purpose of the Diamond Bailey Healing Centre (DBHC) is:

To support Indigenous people on their healing journey by meeting them where they are by providing culturally appropriate supports.

To support Indigenous people in finding purpose and living a well-balanced life that will create opportunities for them.

Vision

Support the Urban Indigenous community by providing a culturally safe environment for healing through traditional knowledge and acceptance of ways of being.

Journey (Mission)

Use of Etuaptmumk (two eyed seeing) approach to provide holistic, culturally based programs and services to Indigenous community members while walking alongside them in their journey on mother earth.

Value for Clients (7 Teachings)

For DBHC clients to be able to live a well-balanced life in an urban setting when they’ve been faced with generations of barriers, the DBHC is able to support them by helping them to work towards balancing their own Medicine (wellness) Wheel based on the 7 teachings that include Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility and Truth and helping them to learn to live their life in a good way.

DBHC Approach

Everything the DBHC does will be through a cultural and trauma-informed lens that builds trust.

Provision of inclusive traditional cultural practices and teachings (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit, focusing on Mi’kmaw teachings as the DBHC is located in Mi’kma’ki).

Use of the Turtle, 13 Grandmother Moons and 7 Sacred teachings as the backbone to develop and build on approach, programming, scheduling, supports, and activities offered.

Work with clients to build their personalized Medicine (wellness) Wheel based on their specific needs and interests and collaboratively set expectations for them.

Provide community connection through other MNFC wraparound services and programming.

Provide a plan for those community members who successfully transition from the DBHC by staying connected to them through Auntie/Uncle Visits and mentorship Opportunities.

Assist clients to see and realize their vision for the future after DBHC; Our program is not an ending, it’s a new beginning, a new chapter in their journey.

Sage House

Sage House is a newly developed supportive transitional housing facility, created and operated by MNFC, located in Waverly, NS. Sage House offers culturally appropriate programming and residence for urban Indigenous women and Two-Spirit, Trans and gender-diverse individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, housing insecurity, and who are transitioning from unstable or unsafe housing situations to supportive temporary housing.
 

All clients residing at the Sage House will be supported on the MNFC Housing and Homelessness Department caseload. Sage House will be staffed 24/7, and provide all clients with culturally appropriate wrap-around supports and services through the MNFC. The purpose of Sage House is to provide clients with a safe and culturally rich living environment. Safety is of the utmost importance in offering supports at Sage House.

The Reaching Home

The Reaching Home Project is a program of Service Canada which distributes funding to organizations that work to reduce the amount of people in Canada experiencing chronic homelessness. The MNFC is the Community Entity for the Indigenous stream of this national initiative, and we work with the Indigenous Community Advisory Board to allocate funding to organizations with the focus of reducing the amount of chronically homeless urban Indigenous peoples. Funded projects recognize the unique needs of the urban Indigenous community, and provide wrap around supports to the reduce the existing barriers to secure and culturally appropriate housing.

Seven Sparks
Victims Support Navigator

Seven Sparks

The Seven Sparks Justice Program has been active at the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre for over ten years. It was originally conceived to assist federal Indigenous offenders with their re-integration into the urban environment. Over time it has expanded its mandate to include service to provincial offenders, as well as those within our community who have a past history with, or are currently at risk of involvement with the justice system.

Seven Sparks works with many partners to achieve its program goals, including: 

  • Mi’kmaw Legal Support Network
  • Institutional (prison/jail) staff 
  • Community & Institutional Elders
  • Community parole officers
  • Other community organizations

We also make many referrals to internal programs – Housing, Employment Support, Victim Navigation, Education, etc.

We have increased our capacity to take part in research projects, both on our own, and in concert with the university research community, most notably St. FX and Dalhousie. All Seven Sparks activities and interventions are conceived and executed against a backdrop of Native philosophy and ceremony.

We are currently supported by a four year funding agreement with the provincial Department of Justice.

 

 

Victim Support Navigator

This program provides:

  • Cultural support 
  • Advocacy 
  • Networking & collaboration with outside organizations to share MNFC programs 
  • Ensure cultural appropriate services are accessible for clients
  • Build & maintain a positive relationships with federal, provincial, municipal departments as well as public officials and school representatives, the general public and community
  • Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls + 2 Spirited awareness and vigils for families
  • Case Conferences with MNFC program managers or other agencies for clients
  • Circle of Support 
  • Address the specific needs and unique situations for Indigenous clients 
  • Coordinate meetings & public speaking engagements in effort to educate and raise awareness 
  • Assist the community event coordinator and elder of MNFC with community events and/or cultural appropriate presentations & teachings

 

Program Information:

The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre Victim Support Navigator (VSN) is a supportive resource that is utilized by the urban Indigenous and non-Indigenous people of Kjipuktuk (Halifax) area. These services are primary aimed to support women who have been victimized all forms of violence, trafficking and exploitation. In conjunction to these services provided a role VSN will assist community members to resources and support offered by the Friendship Center and outside organizations. 

The Victim Support Navigator holistic practises and trauma informed approach integrates MNFC mission and core values is to improve the lives of urban Indigenous people through cultural appropriate programming. The importance of cultural practises with the Seven Grandfather teachings is to meet the diverse needs, traditions and cultures of Mi’kmaw and Indigenous community members we support.

The VSN – (SOS) Sircle of Sisters is offered to all Indigenous women in HRM, who would like to gather with other Indigenous women to learn various teachings, connect with culture and participate in ceremonies. Sircle of Sisters is a safe atmosphere that is respectful, positive and help empower our Indigenous women through sharing circles, self -care activities and to connect with other indigenous women. The importance of creating healthy relationships and the connection to culture is the focus to your medicine wheel becoming more balance. 

 

Denise John: Coordinator

Phone: (902) 420 -1576 Fax: (902) 423 - 6130

Email: denise@mymnfc.com

Location: 2021 Brunswick, Suite 209, Halifax, NS

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