Submitted by Chevi Rabbit
Maskwacis’ Chevi Rabbit is taking on a new role of mentor on the Montana First Nation.
Right now I have been given a three month contract to run an educational program called “Niwicison” which means “I will help myself” in Plains Cree with Akamihk Community Development Society on Montana First Nations.
I jumped at the chance to have an opportunity to make a positive impact on Montana First Nation. I grew up in Ponoka but my mom’s side of the family is involved in local band politics. This was a great introduction to a new generation of young adults. I have spent so much of my adult life away from Ponoka raising awareness across western Canada for many causes, social justice issues and LGBTQ2 rights and pursing anything that interests me.
A little background, Vickie Currie-Wetchie is my executive director and I am grateful she has allowed me to tailor Niwicison in a way that I feel will make a huge impact in the lives of each participant. The mission of the program is to develop our clients’ skills, abilities, and knowledge in order to become self-reliant contributing members of society. With my innovative training, skill development and entrepreneurship program — I will challenge participants to think outside of the box.
The age group is from age 18 to 26 years old. I’m preparing each student for the job market to get them off welfare and become productive members of our great province. We prepare students on work place rights, time management, anger management, team building, resumes and basic business for budgeting. Each student will have an opportunity to earn trade tickets to work camp jobs in the oil and gas sector.
But I thought, let’s take this a bit further. Let’s get real.
I looked over the program curriculum and revamped many of the methods, took some out and created new ones. There was a lot of interest in the program when the community found out I was back and making the program “my own.” I have delivered all the core curriculum as required but made it fun by using modern examples and including Ted Talks, Red Talks and motivational online speakers to help empower.
Sure enough Carly Robinson from City News Edmonton came out and did mock interviews for each student to help build their confidence because many first nations are extremely shy. Then I realized that many within the program suffer from inter-generational trauma and family issues so devoted a large portion of time developing “Emotional Hygiene.”
I brought in a registered psychologist to talk with participants and have her readily available when needed. We developed and practiced stress management, recognizing emotional triggers and healthy coping mechanisms — what you can do when your family is triggering you. I notice many students have a fear of police because of police brutality and many fear social services because many at one time had social workers come into their home and remove children or even themselves. With that in mind I brought in local elders to talk to the participants before I brought in social service workers to explain their jobs and roles in the community. I put a human face to these social services.
Right now I am developing partnerships with agencies in Ponoka to develop healthy working relationships through this program. I have plans to teach students on how to pay their bills on time, renter’s awareness, home ownership, positive sexual health by a registered nurse, identifying and stopping lateral violence and healthy mind and bodies.