1. Aboriginal Community Advocacy Program

2. Program Purpose
“prepares students to work in community, government, political and quasi-legal organizations whose purpose is to advocate for Aboriginal peoples and communities”
Students will gain knowledge of the contemporary legal, political and cultural position of Aboriginal people in relation to Canadian society.
They will explore “best practices in leadership, self government, justice and land and resource management.

3. So…. What’s this all about?
Formerly “ Aboriginal Law and Advocacy”
Broad, practical skill base for people who wish to understand and work with First Nations and Aboriginal people
For those wanting to work as part of Aboriginal organizations
For those wanting a background in Aboriginal Canadian relations
Relevant to both Aboriginal and Non Aboriginal students

4. What is “Advocacy” Advocacy means to “help” To speak out
To make change
To help people help themselves
To find ways to solve problems
To work for social justice

5. What makes us unique? Aboriginal-Canadian Relations
Aboriginal people in Canada have special legal rights, a different history, a different world view
Working effectively for individuals, communities requires that you know why, how things work
Relevance to demographics of NWO

6. Why “ Community Advocate”
Aboriginal peoples and Canadians are developing a new relationship
Treaties
Self government
Land Use Planning
Communities need people to work for them
Canadian need to learn about people they will work with.

7. We also have fun!

8. Our Graduates go on to do Great things
Youth Outreach
Traditional Governance Coordinator
teacher
Courtworker
Policy Analyst
Community Justice Worker
Researcher
Police Officer
Decade Youth Coordinator
Lawyer
Land and Resource Negotiator
Child and Family Worker
Community Leader

9. OUR GRADUATES are working at
Onigaming Customary Care Team
Nishanabe-Aski Tribal Council
Indian Friendship Centre
Cree Napaskie First Nation
Red Skye Metis Organization
Ontario Native Women’s Association
Ontario Provincial Police
NAPS
Contact North
Ontario Court of Justice
Casino Rama - lawyer
Lansdowne House Resource Management
Pic River Education Authority
Longlac Women’s Shelter
Dilico – Youth Outreach
Shelter House
Scarborough Legal Clinic
Aboriginal Legal Services Toronto
Aboriginal liaison – school board, college, private business
Treaty Three Tribal Council
Gull Bay First Nations
Seine River Family Services
Gesgapegiag Human Resource Commission

10. Many go on to University and beyond
Lakehead University – Political Science
go directly to 2nd year after graduating
University of Manitoba
Syracuse University
University of Victoria – Masters in Indigenous Governance, PHD
Pre-Law at University of Saskatchewan
University of Alberta
University of Ottawa Law School
McGill University
Post Diploma: Human Resources,
Police Foundation, Social Service Worker
York University

11. So who might be interested….
Students interested in working with people at the community level
Social sciences, policing, outreach workers, youth, advocacy, liaison
Students wanting to work for/ with Aboriginal political organizations, government, Aboriginal organizations
Bands, tribal councils, policy, governance, negotiations, federal/ provincial government
Students interested in pursuing legal, quasi legal careers, political science, university
Community legal worker, court worker, paralegal,
Law, corrections, policing, parole, probation

12. What will you learn? Three Pillars to Program
Indigenous Knowledge and World View
History of contemporary Aboriginal-Canadian relations
Advocacy Skills, organizing, community development, public education, research, proposal writing, speaking out, planning and working with communities

13. What are the courses? 1st Semester 2nd Semester Communications
Computers
History of Aboriginal-Canadian Relations
Indigenous Identity and Relationship to Land
Government, Law and Aboriginal People
Aboriginal Language
Indigenous Leadership and Decision Making
Aboriginal People and Self Government
Advocacy
Indigenous Knowledge and World View
Community Development
Applied Research

14. And in second year 3rd Semester 4th Semester
Indigenous Women: Issues and Advocacy
Aboriginal People and Sustainable Development
Advocating for Children and Youth
Mediation and Negotiations
General Elective
Community Project
Restorative Justice and Community Facilitation Skills
International Human Rights and Indigenous Peoples
Advanced Advocacy
Contemporary Social Justice Issues
Internship Placement

15. A graduate of this program will be
Committed to promoting the political, legal and social justice of communities
Able to advocate for social change
Able to analyze complex legal, political questions through research, writing and discussion
Active participants in seeking resolution to issues through consultation and community based alternative dispute resolution strategies.

16. Graduates are also….
Strong ethical and skilled leaders who can find creative and accountable solutions to community issues
Able to demonstrate a strong sense of personal identity through the understanding of the historic context
Knowledgeable about the Aboriginal relationship to the land and committed to the management of resources consistent with community based
priorities and concerns
Able to consult, articulate and advocate for individuals and communities on a wide range of issues.

17. Is it hard? How can students be ready?
Succeeding in College involves…
Reading
Writing
Coming to class
Preparing for class
Taking notes
Studying
Getting help when needed
Having a positive attitude

18. What our graduate say…. Barb,
I just wanted to share with you where I am at and what I am doing.
I owe alot of my direction in my life to the Aboriginal Law and Advocacy Program. Lets just say it lit a fire within and is still burning.
I am now employed by Aboriginal Legal Services Toronto, starting out as the Membership Clerk for Indian status… awaiting funding to begin my position as Gladu Aftercare Worker.
I have just started and had the opportunity to review all the work this organization has done over the years and am in awe as a lot was what was covered through the Aboriginal Law program.
I have an office with a huge window that looks out over Yonge St. and am grateful of where I am and am always thankful of the education I have received.
Amy Hunter

19. For Students who want to live and work in the North or work in Aboriginal communities anywhere
who are interested in a unique program
Who are curious about Aboriginal knowledge and traditions
Who want to work with or for Aboriginal peoples…..
Who want a competitive advantage in their work, life…………….

20. Aboriginal Community Advocacy is just the beginning…!

21. We hope you will join us soon!