How it began...

 

The Capacity Building for Communities course in the Social Service Worker - Native Specialization Program at Sault College influenced a powerful learning experience for first year students to become active community organizers.  Students were given a semester-long assignment to address a social issue by engaging the Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding area community and sparking momentum with the objective to create sustainable change.    

 

As the students shared why each of the issues faced by Aboriginal youth were crucial to address, they examined severity and came to a consensus that the event would work to prevent suicide, the most acute outcome of the symptoms.  In the spirit of social service work and strength-based practice, students were asked to adjust their thinking to focus on an outcome rather than the problem.  The consensus was if Aboriginal youth achieved wellness, they would no longer be at risk of suicide.

 

The next challenge involved identifying the most effective strategy to address the multitude of factors that lead to hopelessness and distress among Aboriginal youth in the community.  Again, ideas came flooding in to confront bullying, increase positive cultural identity, increasing pro-social behaviours and the list went on.  Students were compelled to find a way to create sustainable change and make a difference during one evening event.  It was agreed that if ONE THING could have such a great and sustainable impact in the life of an Aboriginal youth, it would be an Aboriginal role model or mentor who believes in them.  With everyone on board, it was time to dive in to some serious community development work.

 

Project ALLY: Aboriginal Leaders Liberating Youth was created by a core group of community organizers in the Capacity Building for Communities class comprised of: Social Service Worker - Native Specialization Program Faculty (core group leader) Stephanie Stephens and Social Service Worker - Native Specialization Program Students (core group members) James Agawa, Shannan Barsalou, Haley Bissaillion, Bobbie Brophy, Maurice Iahtail, Virginia Kelly, Stevie Laplante, Josh Memegos, Sara Rathbone, Katie Riel, Ben Robertson, Lisa Souliere, Reanne Zack. 

 

The Project ALLY: Aboriginal Leaders Liberating Youth event was made possible in partnership with the Sault Ste. Marie Indian Friendship Centre, Wasanabin Program Youth Worker (community partner): Karen Boyer.

 

The majority of the students in the Social Service Worker - Native Specialization program do not enter with extensive knowledge of Aboriginal culture and spirituality, if any.  Unbeknownst to the core group of students, spiritual guidance was the utmost influential factor in the creation of Project ALLY.  Ideas for the project not only came from brainstorming within the core group, but from spiritual influence and presence that was with us throughout the process. 

 

The goal of Project ALLY was to engage the community, spark momentum and create sustainable change that will better the lives of Aboriginal youth.  The plan to accomplish this goal was to facilitate the creation of a trusting and supportive relationship between Aboriginal youth and Aboriginal adult mentors.