On Tuesday, December 14^th, I was proud to attend the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Special Chiefs Assembly in Gatineau, Quebec along with Marty Reynolds (National Chair, YMCA Canada), Colin Potts, member of the National Board and Laura Palmer Korn (Sr. VP Federation Strategy).

At this meeting, YMCA Canada and the Assembly of First Nations entered into a historic partnership agreement.  Our mutual goal is to create opportunities for First Nations children, teens and young adults through access to education, leadership and recreation.  A joint work plan will be created to identify activities in: employment and internships; education; youth leadership development; health and wellness; sport and recreation; child care and after school programming; facility operation and development; and capacity development. Click here to read the official agreement.

Marty Reynolds signed on behalf of all YMCAs and YMCA-YWCAs in Canada, and AFN National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo signed on behalf of the Assembly of First Nations.  Chief Shawn Atleo welcomed this new relationship and says this collaborative effort will prove beneficial for all First Nations citizens living in or outside First Nations communities.

Building on our strong relationships with First Nations communities

While we were developing this agreement, we discovered that over one hundred First Nations groups, bands, aboriginal organizations and friendship centers are currently working with over half of Canada’s YMCAs to deliver programs and services.

Many First Nations leaders who are involved in YMCA partnerships were in attendance at this important signing, including Chief Isadore Day, of Serpent River First Nation community.  He spoke passionately about the Serpent River First Nation partnership with the YMCA of Sudbury’s John Island Camp, praising the work of Pete Kerigan, YMCA camp director.   Chief Day believes in the “strength that partnerships like this bring to a new social fabric in Canada – a new fabric that includes a reconciliation and recognition of partnerships with First Nations and organizations that seek to help create a solid future for young people across this country.”   It is because of our strong local relationships, that we are able to develop mutually beneficial partnerships nationally.

Pete Kerigan:  Guest Blogger

I asked Pete if he could be my guest blogger today to talk about the relationship with Serpent River First Nation:

Meeting Chief Isadore Day for the first time was not only pleasurable and encouraging, it was extremely humbling.  Our initial discussions surrounded the specific abilities, needs and concerns of the YMCA John Island Camp and Serpent River First Nation communities.  Over the course of the past year, we have enhanced shared use of roads and docks systems, provided cross-culture education services, and provided employment and camp opportunities for several youth.

During the summer time, John Island staff and campers attended the Serpent River Elder’s anniversary celebration and annual Powwow.  Elders, community leaders and youth of the Serpent River community also attend our Open House at John Island Camp.

Over the course of the next year, Chief Day and I will be meeting to discuss formalizing a partnership between YMCA John Island Camp and Serpent River First Nation.  This formal partnership will lay the foundation for new priorities such as infrastructure projects, new elevated capacity building, continued youth initiatives and an overall strengthening of our community along the North Shore of Lake Huron.

Pete Kerigan, Director of YMCA John Island Camp

Working together with the AFN, we are one step closer to the Canada we want – where all communities can realize the full potential of all their members, regardless of background or financial means.  YMCAs in Canada can mobilize to build healthy, confident, secure and connected communities.

Scott