Leading a Good Life
Aug 21, 2018
Thirty Grade 8 to 10 students have been attending Mino Bimaadiziwin – “Leading a Good Life”, Aboriginal Youth Leadership Program being held for the fourth year by Lakehead Public Schools at Fort William Historical Park. The program continues to focus on life skills, leadership, healthy relationships, positive self-esteem, self-awareness and the connections to education.
“Using cultural knowledge and teachings this program strengthens student’s leadership skills and encourages them to become role models,” Anika Guthrie, Indigenous Education Resource Teacher. “The program provides various opportunities to develop those skills as the students work with camp staff and participate in numerous cultural teachings and leadership activities.”
Mino Bimaadiziwin is based on the award-winning program Walking the Path and modelled after the O.P.P. Youth Camp, Niigan Mosewak (Moving Forward). The students have been staying at Fort William Historical park and engaging in numerous land/ cultural based activities with the support of many community partners.
The camp is hosted by Lakehead Public Schools in partnership with local Elders and Knowledge Keepers, Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, and Thunder Bay Police.
“Mino Bimaadiziwin also provides an opportunity for the students to foster positive relationships and build strong connections between Aboriginal youth and educational partners, police, community agencies and support networks,” says Guthrie.
**Students will be participating in traditional cooking and crafts at 11:00 a.m. at Fort William Historical park (on site) on Wednesday, August 22.
