Peer-to-Peer Learning and Mentorship with Jack.org

Lindsay Currie, Jack.org Jack Talks Speaker.

In this breakout session, Lindsay will focus on the following topics: The importance of peer-to-peer learning and mentorship, and where to find it Lindsay’s experience with mentorship in the mental health space (including her work with Jack.org staff) Building on ones leadership skills in a virtual world

Bio: Lindsay Currie is a Registered Nurse who is passionate about mental health. Since experiencing mental health struggles and being diagnosed with a mental illness as a young teen, she has made it her mission to break barriers to accessing mental health services and call youth to action. When she is not taking care of patients at work, you can find her volunteering with her church, hanging out with her nephew, or going for a swim!

Coyote Pride Mentoring Program

Andrea Watchmaker, Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society

Coyote Pride Mentoring Program is an in-school “buddy” program for Indigenous children or youth or children and youth of Indigenous ancestry in elementary school in grades 4-6. The program is delivered through a group mentoring model where the children and youth come together with 4-5 mentors and learn about the Indigenous culture together. The mentors and mentees meet once a week over the lunch hour with the Program Coordinator facilitating and the Coordinator provides Indigenous teachings, activities, games, and crafts which is all hands-on learning. We also invite elders, knowledge keepers, to come and do Indigenous culture teachings. Mentors are recruited from the Indigenous community and can be post- secondary students, working professionals, or anyone who enjoys spending time with children and youth. The program is free and open to all children in grades 4-6 who want to learn about the Indigenous culture. Many of the children that participate have none or little knowledge of the Indigenous culture and they share what they have learned and appreciate what they have been taught. The mentors also share that the program brings them an increased pride and knowledge of the Indigenous culture.

Bio: Andrea Watchmaker Andrea Watchmaker is a Plains Cree from Kehewin Cree Nation, which is located Northeast of Edmonton, near Bonnyville, Alberta. She is proud of her Cree heritage and shares the teachings that she learned from her parents, late grandparents, and many elders and knowledge keepers. She left her nation after finishing high school to attend College for Early Childhood Development and later received her Diploma for Child and Youth Care from MacEwan University. She now resides in Edmonton and works as an Indigenous Programs Supervisor with Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society. And coordinates Children’s Indigenous Cultural Programs like Coyote Pride and Coyote Kids Weekly Program.

Power of Mentoring Events: Insights to Goals, Approaches, Impacts/Outcomes, and Examples

The Power of Mentoring Campaign is a series of virtual and in-person networking and skill- building experiences designed to support youth. MENTOR Canada partners with employee volunteers from the private sector to engage in career mentoring conversations with youth.

These unique events connect youth with mentors, prospective employers and the Canadian labour market. Indigenous youth gain an understanding of the practical job skills required to meet labour market demands, develop an awareness of the future of work, and learn how to access opportunities aligned to their academic, career and life goals.

Indigenous Power of Mentoring events have been designed to engage Indigenous youth in meaningful career conversations that honour and integrate Indigenous culture and focus on expanding networks, enhancing employment skills and increasing access to job opportunities for Indigenous youth.

MENTOR Canada will provide an overview of these events, how they have intentionally developed Power of Mentoring for Indigenous youth, and how educators and schools can get their youth involved.

Indigenous Youth Mentorship Program: Supporting Healthy Indigenous School Communities

Andrea Dion and Cassie Flett

Join Ever Active Schools to learn more about IYMP, an after-school healthy living program delivered by Indigenous high school students for elementary school children Co-developed with Indigenous youth, educators, and researchers, IYMP promotes well-being, resiliency, and overall positive mental health, including Mino-Bimaadiziwin/Mino-Pimâtisiwin (“living in a good way”).

Bios: Andrea Dion, Omiyowapikwaniy Iskwew (Beautiful Flowering Woman) is a strong Cree woman from Maskwacisis working as a Health and Wellness Consultant with Resilient Schools in Treaty 6 and 7. Cassie Flett is Cree/Métis born and raised in Gift Lake Métis Settlement. She works as a Health and Wellness Consultant with Resilient Schools in Treaty 8.