9 - Ndinawe Youth Resource Centre
Ndinawe is a centre that provides a range of programs that primarily serve the aboriginal population of Winnipeg (approximately 80% of the population in the North End is aboriginal). Ndinawe started 13 years ago as a result of the investigation of a prostitution and pornography ring. Many of the young women involved were aboriginal and were fearful of talking to authorities about these activities for fear of apprehension. This led to the establishment of Ndinawemaganag Endaawaad (our relatives home) a 16 bed safe home for youth ages 11 – 17. Five years ago it was determined that many youth were bouncing between the residential program and their families, or falling through the cracks in the system living independently, so Ndinawe established an initiative to offer youth a “time out” from home and to provide more support to families.
At present, therefore, Ndinawe runs three programs which serve all youth in the community, although the primary clientele is Aboriginal:
Youth participation and ownership is a very important part of the development and operation of the programs. A Youth Board provides direction for the programming at the Youth Resource Centre.
The training/employment work done by Ndinawe is very connected to the local community. It is recognized that many participants cannot travel across town to participate in training programs, so they are offered locally. A variety of services are offered, including resume writing, job search assistance and mock interviews. Youth can also participate in a three week pre-employment training and get assistance in finding a job in the community.
Ndinawe is heavily involved with education. They feel that the local school system faces many challenges and at times does not meet the need of aboriginal youth. 1-5 youth do not graduate from high school in this area. They are working with the school board to try to develop more options, particularly for youth who are gifted, as well as those who are cognitively delayed. Ndinawe also offers a tutoring program.
Ndinawe Youth Resource Centre does not receive any core funding. Program funding comes from a variety of sources, including Heritage, Justice, United Way, the Aboriginal Strategy, SCPI, Homelessness, and two local foundations. Funding is not sufficient to provide stable support to the model.
Ndinawe works closely with the range of organizations that serve Aboriginal people in Winnipeg.
One of the main challenges that Ndinawe identifies is how to reach “non-trackable” youth – the ones who do not attend school, are not employed, and who may experience high need but are not connected to any community resources. Another challenge is youth aged 16 and older who are living independently – although this may be cheaper for the social services system these youth receive little support.
For more information, contact:
Sonia Prevost-Derbecker
Executive Director
Ndinawe Youth Resource Centre
Winnipeg, MN
Phone: (204) 586-2588
Email: soniaprevost@hotmail.com
