Photos Credit : Shuana Niessen
Labyrinth : Meditation Stations Holistic Artistic Representations Physical Activities Time with Elders
their communities and schools ; and
• utilize strengths-based expressive arts to increase Aboriginal youth capacity and foster the development of health-based interventions from a youth perspective .
Dr . JoLee Sasakamoose says , “ The overall purpose of this program is to utilize strengths-based interventions to promote healthier relationships and develop youth leadership skills in the area of health advocacy in order to increase youth engagement , connectedness , and overall well-being . This program ’ s focus is on the development and delivery of a series of directed experiences for Aboriginal post-secondary and community-based health advocates who will , in turn , engage and involve youth in the research , planning , development , and implementation of health interventions for their schools and communities . This community-based , participatory-action program uses culturally appropriate approaches , including ceremony , sport , recreation , photography , art , music , drama , and other expressive activities to engage youth . Multiple approaches facilitate participants in making positive ‘ healthier ’ choices while building capacity for leadership and connections to positive role models . Our program emphasizes a holistic approach , including mental , physical , emotional , and spiritual elements of wellness .”
In May 2014 , the mentors took part in a 4-day Health and Wellness Training program and then engaged in a Level I Practicum experience with the Fred Sasakamoose Aboriginal Youth Leadership and Wellness Program ( FSAYLWP ), hosted by the Faculty of Kinesiology on May 29-31 . FSAYLWP annually hosts about 24 Aboriginal youth , ages 14 -17 , from communities throughout Saskatchewan during a 3-day program . Beyond this practicum , Dr . Sasakamoose says , “ This group of mentors can also be called on to do workshops and training for Aboriginal youth in local communities .”
During an interview , the mentors discussed their vision for this program . Their individual hopes that they brought to this program had a common theme : Holistic connection . The group hopes to help Aboriginal youth , both urban and rural , to reconnect with their cultural and traditional identities , their communities , and with themselves and each other .
They desire to be family support through the HART program , and to learn from each other . This , they hope , will have a ripple effect , expanding the circle to include more youth mentors for future generations . The HART mentors jointly desire to be the role models that they needed while they were growing up . Their sense of responsibility and passion for the next generation of Aboriginal youth was evident as they spoke about their vision for the HART Program .
Following the summer months of training and activities , the mentors shared what they learned . Self-awareness and holistic renewal were common themes :
Tishemia Tootoosis says , “ My experience with the HART mentor training program was unforgettable . ... The HART program helped me to recognize and connect with my best self as well as confront issues and experiences in my life that I needed to acknowledge in order to move forward . Having the opportunity to gain self-awareness in a restorative environment was a gift for me , and for the mentees that I worked with during my practicum at the FSAYLWP . I experienced healthy transformation and gained awareness during the mentor training , and I was inspired by our trainers to want to further my education and knowledge base in the field of wellness . HART helped me gain strength and pride as an Aboriginal woman , and I felt that I was able to pass on some of that strength to the youth I mentored during the camp .”
Tyler Gervais says , “ Looking back on my experience with HART , I can say that it was an eye-opening , pivotal stepping stone in my personal growth as a Métis man , step-father , mentor , teacher , and coach . Through my HART training , I embarked on a transformative journey of mind , body , and soul , becoming much more aware of myself as a whole person . Through spiritual revival , personal and professional goal setting , and holistic reflection , I experienced an awakening of who I am and where I plan to go with my life .... The HART training incorporated smudging , yoga , and self-care activities , such as the labyrinth , which all facilitated the internalization of the significance of discovering who I am and who I am meant to be . This understanding is crucial to my identity as an Indigenous man and a spiritual being .... I was somewhat nervous and anxious
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Faculty of Education Education News Spring / Summer 2014 Page 5