Integrated Resources
for Aboriginal Youth - IRAY
Funded by the Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal
Youth Centre's - UMAYC initiative through the National Association of
Aboriginal Friendship Centre's – NAFC. Host Agency: Prince George
Native Friendship Centre
Project Description
The Integrated Resources for Aboriginal Youth (IRAY) Program is a youth-driven
program that provides educational, recreational, cultural and lifeskills
programming to Aboriginal youth within the community of Prince George.
IRAY ensures integrated case management, coordination of resources and
a continuum of uninterrupted and non-intrusive care and service. Aboriginal
youth within the community have experienced a smooth transition between
programs based on individual readiness and support. IRAY has and focuses
on enhancing the well being of Aboriginal youth by empowering them to
address their physical, emotional, spiritual and mental needs.
Program Goals
- Aboriginal Youth Driven Youth Program
- Integrated Case Management
- Progression Towards Healthy Living, Healthy Lifestyle Choices and
Self Reliance
- Increased Academic Levels in Youth
- Improved Retention in Local School District
- Increased Lifeskills Competence
- Provide Access to Traditional Knowledge and Practices
- Increased Availability to Recreational and Physical Activities
- Provide Access to Appropriate Education
- Holistic Service Provision
- Establish a Relationship Between the Elders and Youth in our Community
What types of training or education does the Project/Program
provide if any?
ReStart
The IRAY Program has a full time alternative school program (ReStart)
for youth ages 13 – 18 years old. ReStart adheres to an Aboriginal
philosophical approach to appropriate and accredited Education. Program
participants have the opportunity to work to wards a grade 10 level
education, as well as work on their relationship with the local school
district so they can eventually regain access to the public school system.
Classes are scheduled with respect to the whole person and the balance
offered from the medicine wheel. Thus spiritual (cultural), emotional,
physical and mental (academic) teachings are fundamental in the program.
Youth are nurtured to bring balance to their lives, this is model led
through program structure, scheduling and activities. ReStart Community
Partners:
- Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centres
- School District # 57
- Aboriginal Education Board
- Prince George Native Friendship Centre
Lifeskills Facilitator
The IRAY Program offers a Lifeskills Facilitator to work within the
existing school programs offered through the Prince George Native Friendship
Centre and to work with the general public (Aboriginal youth ages 12
– 29 yrs.). The Lifeskills Facilitator is responsible for arranging
numerous lifeskills workshops, as wall as facilitating workshops. The
Lifeskills Facilitator ensures that we meet the demands of the youth
and potential employers as to which workshops would be feasible and
beneficial to the youth. Workshops Offered through the Lifeskills Facilitator:
- First Host Training
- First Aid
- WHIMIS
- Food Safe
- Stress Management
- H2S Training
- Employment Readiness Workshops – Resumes, Interview Skills
- Youth and the Legal System
- Drug and Alcohol - Prevention, Awareness, Intervention
- STD'S – Prevention, Awareness, Intervention
Cultural and Recreational
Worker
The IRAY Program offers a wide variety of Cultural and Recreational
programming to the existing school programs and to the general public
(Aboriginal youth Ages 12-29 yrs.).
The IRAY Cultural and Recreational Worker is responsible for arranging
and providing youth with access to appropriate and holistic recreational
facilities and cultural activities.
The Cultural and Recreational worker acts as a support staff and provides
administrative assistance to the Prince George Aboriginal Youth Council
(PGAYC), from which the IRAY Program Service Providers receive direction
and feedback. The IRAY Cultural and Recreational Worker works closely
with the PGAYC in delivering an annual Youth Spring Break Conference
for youth. Activities Offered:
- Family Nights (Native dancing, singing, crafts etc...)
- Youth Break Dancing Room
- Movie Nights
- Youth Drop-in
- Traditional Cooking Classes
- Sports Night (floor hockey, basketball, volleyball etc...)
- Rattle and Drum Making Classes
- Fishing and Trapping
- Annual Youth Conference
- Elder and Youth Mentors Program
The IRAY Cultural and Recreational Worker provides
access and transportation to a wide variety of Traditional Ceremonies.
However, out of respect to customs and traditions, we do not advertise
or keep stats for these particular events.
How Many
Youth Participant in Your Program?
Over the course of one (1) year, the IRAY Program provides service to
three hundred and fifty (350) – four hundred (400) youth. This
is inclusive to all of the programming that the IRAY Program offers.
How Long
has the Program been Operating?
The Prince George Native Friendship Centre has had the pleasure of offering
the IRAY Program since September of 1998. In December 2000, the IRAY
Program was successful obtaining a Multi-Year contract with the B.C.
Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centre's.
If you would like more information
on the Integrated Resources for Aboriginal Youth IRAY Program or the
Prince George Aboriginal Youth Council – PGAYC, Please do not hesitate
to contact us at:
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