Acting Advocacy Program Coordinator - Tara Williams
Greetings! I hope you are enjoying this beautiful fall weather. I’ll be the Acting Program Advocacy Coordinator assisting the clientele of the
Health Centre and community with advocacy issues within the urban Aboriginal
communities of Hamilton and Brantford.
As I familiarize myself with the goals and objectives of the Health
Centre and the other programs here; I
will continue to make contacts in the Hamilton and Brantford areas. I want to thank the staff here for such a
warm welcome and pleasant reception. I
can be reached at the Hamilton site at (905) 544-4320.
Respectfully, Tara
Summer Student Extraordinaire
Michele Altamore,
Wolf Clan, Cayuga Nation
At De dwa da dehs
nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre over the summer months I occupied the
position of Aboriginal Healthcare Social Worker, sponsored by INAC. During my employment I was given the
opportunity to obtain direct hands on experience as I utilized my acquired
knowledge and skills in the provision of therapeutic counseling to clients of
the Health Centre. The second component
of my employment was the development of a Health Education Resource Centre, the
Centre is set-up for easy access to the material. Some material can be taken for your personal use and some are for
reference only. Everyone is encouraged
to check it out. Any suggestions or
materials for the Resource Centre are welcomed. I would like to take this opportunity to send many Nya:wehs
(thank-you) to all the staff of De dwa da dehs nye>s for their compassion,
knowledge and arms in welcoming and including me on the team.
In Friendship & Unity, Michele
NOTE: At press time Michele has returned to
Mc Master for her 4th and final year to obtain her Bachelor of Arts
in Sociology, Bachelor of Social Work and a Minor in Indigenous Studies.
We wish her
success!!!
Introducing Marcella Clarkson, Traditional Healers
Helper
Marcella Clarkson, fluent Ojibwe, Marten Clan, born in Wikwemikong First
Nation, Manitoulin Island, Ontario.
Marcella has resided in Hamilton-Wentworth for approximately thirty-five
years now. She has three grown children
– two daughters (twins) and one son.
She has five beautiful grandchildren.
Marcella’s working life has been serving the Native Community as an Alcohol
and Drug Worker, then as a Native Court Worker (twenty years). In Mid-September, the Health Centre was
fortunate to have Marcella come aboard as the Traditional Healers Assistant. Marcella will assist with the Traditional
Healing Program, booking appointments, coordinating healing circles, etc.
Welcome Marcella!!
Rodger Hill, Youth Program
Coordinator
Rodger Hill is from the Onondaga Nation, member of the Eel Clan who
resides at the Six Nation Reserve.
The goal of the Youth Program is to encourage youth to lead healthy
productive lifestyles and to avoid high-risk behaviour. This program is to
target youth between the ages of 10 years and 24 years of age who reside in the
Hamilton and Brantford areas. The objectives
are to develop a peer support group, develop clinics for youth with specific
concerns, develop a teen crisis support system, to create an opportunity for
youth to learn traditional culture and teachings from area Elders and
Teachers. Some of the programs are
nutrition and cooking instruction, fitness, introduction to wholistic healing,
first aid, traditional teachings, language, talking circle. As a youth what type of programs do you want
or need? Any suggestions, call Rodger
at (905) 544-4320 or (519) 752-4340.