
OAC Community Forum - December 10, 2015
Event Overview
We are delighted to invite you to the Aboriginal Community Forum hosted by the Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition and the UAS-Ottawa Steering Committee. This event aims to foster meaningful discussions and gather your invaluable input as we navigate the future of our community initiatives.
Purpose of the Forum
The forum serves as a platform for collaboration and relationship-building among community members and partners. Together, we aim to explore ways to enhance opportunities for our children and youth and ensure positive outcomes for the Aboriginal community in Ottawa.
OAC Community Forum Booklet
This document provides updates from the OAC, including remarks from Chair Marc Maracle and Deputy City Manager Susan Jones. It features the event agenda, an overview of the Ottawa Aboriginal community, and contributions from OAC member organizations. The report concludes with Simon Brascoupé’s update, highlighting key initiatives and partnerships between United Way and the Ottawa Aboriginal community, focusing on supporting Indigenous people through education, arts, and social services.
Key Updates:
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Successful Funding Agreement: OAC secured a two-year funding agreement with Indigenous and Northern Affairs, providing financial stability to support its efforts.
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City Collaboration: Continued participation with the City of Ottawa on various fronts, including:
- Aboriginal participation in emergency preparedness.
- Full partnership on the Aboriginal Working Committee.-
- Hosting an Aboriginal Awareness Day with renewed commitment from the city regarding National Aboriginal Day. -
Housing Initiatives: OAC’s involvement in the Aboriginal Community Advisory Committee for Housing First.
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Education Partnerships: Collaboration with local school boards through the Aboriginal Education Committee (AEC).
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Youth Art Program: A new partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, focusing on teaching self-expression through traditional and contemporary art to Aboriginal youth.
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Canada 2017 Partnership: Preparing for Canada’s 150-year celebrations, establishing a new relationship with the Canada 2017 organization.
Areas of Focus:
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Urban Aboriginal Strategy (UAS): Ongoing efforts to:
- Raise the profile of the UAS and secure additional resources.
- Streamline administrative processes.
- Involve provincial and municipal governments more effectively.
- Strengthen connections with HRSDC’s ASET holders for employment opportunities.
- Maintain national cohesion among UAS lead sites.
- Shape the UAS in collaboration with stakeholders if the mandate changes. -
Cross-Cultural Engagement: Facilitating workshops and discussions between city staff and Aboriginal community members on Aboriginal issues.
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Relationship Building and Funding: Seeking new partnerships and funding opportunities to further strengthen the community and OAC’s initiatives.
Elders
The OAC is thankful to collaborate with several elders in Ottawa. During the community forum, three elders delivered opening and closing remarks for the event. Their biographies are provided below.