Renewal Plan

Wii Chiiwaakanak Renewal Plan [pdf]

WII CHIIWAAKANAK MEANS “PARTNERS”. THE CENTRE IS A BRIDGE AND CONNECTION BETWEEN THE UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG, AND ALL IT HAS TO OFFER, AND THE LARGER, COMMUNITY - PARTICULARLY YOUTH AND THE ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY.

In March 2012, the Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre embarked on a community-based renewal plan that involved community consultations and the creation of an advisory committee. The community identified a number of broad dreams and emphasized three areas to which the Centre should direct its efforts in combination with different partners:

Literacy is a major issue in the immediate community with different approaches needed to support adults, youth and families to gain greater levels of literacy;

Supporting the Dream acknowledges that there is a need for community residents to better see themselves as potential University students. The Centre can play a direct role by being a bridge that connects community members who are comfortable coming to the Centre with the University; and,

Safety and Sense of Connection recognizes that it is very important for young people to participate in different experiences and breakdown barriers that keep them from such experiences. The Centre is seen to be in a position to help facilitate a greater sense of safety and connection.

STRATEGIC GOALS

The overall vision translated into six (6) specific strategic goals:

1. Create opportunities for diverse cultural awareness;
2. Create opportunities for community involvement and partnerships;
3. Create a variety of free community learning opportunities;
4. Facilitate opportunities for community health and wellness and recreational activities with UWinnipeg departments;
5. Create opportunities to bridge educational barriers through peer support and mentorship; and
6. Establish and maintain a fundraising strategy.

P.A.T.H. WHAT WE HEARD

The Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre held P.A.T.H. (Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope) sessions with community and advisory committee members. The most noteworthy outcome is their broad dreams for the Centre and unique role that the Centre can play in their lives:

• It is seen as a place where community leadership can develop through opportunities for learning, mentorship and volunteering;
• Youth opportunities after school and in the summer are seen as a prime function for the Centre, including basic literacy, computer literacy, access to tutors, traditional crafts, Aboriginal languages and organized sports and recreation;
• The Centre is expected to be able to sponsor and organize (with partners) a wide range of community activities and events from information sessions to arts and music instruction to community cleanups and street parties; and
• The Centre should be a place where community members can come together to socialize, meet friends, network and connect to other resources and to The University of Winnipeg.
  

For a larger version of the Wii Chiiwaakank PATH.pdf

PUTTING THE RENEWAL PLAN TO WORK

The Renewal Plan sets a new path that builds on past accomplishments and operates from the foundation that community partnerships are essential. The Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre is guided by an advisory committee and will deliver meaningful and responsive programming built on the strengths and capacity of the inner-city community, particularly youth and the Aboriginal community. 

The Wii Chiiwaakankak Learning Centre with renewed vision will: Focus our programming and services under the six strategic goals;

• Ensure that our Centre is accessible and inclusive of diverse perspectives and approaches of the Aboriginal community;
  
• Work collaboratively and in partnership with local community service agencies;
  
• Strategically participate on local networks, working groups and coalitions;
  
• Develop innovative ways to create community volunteer opportunities;
  
• Develop a fundraising strategy to ensure financial sustainability.

EMERGING PRIORITIES

In response to the needs of the community and informed by our March 2012 consultation, the Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre has identified the following community-centred and strength based priorities:

Priority	Cultural	Education	Learning
Children and Youth (focus on after school and summer programming)	Cultural teachings Pow wow club Drumming club Craft and beading class Language class	Tutoring programs Mentoring program Literacy program Music and arts Computer class	Sports and recreation Role model speakers Volunteer opportunities Tour of UWinnipeg
Families	Language class Traditional parenting class Potlucks	Parenting class Family literacy model Family reading circles Access UWinnipeg lab	Guest speakers Family outings Tour of UWinnipeg
Adults and Seniors	Elder teaching circles Sharing circles Life skills training Cultural awareness class	Literacy program Computer class Information sessions Financial literacy class	Volunteer opportunities Advocacy support Tours of UWinnipeg

For a full version of the report  Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre Renewal Plan.pdf

For more information please contact:

Sharon Redsky