Pohna: Keepers of the Fire  
In partnership with Edmonton Police Service

This program was inaugurated in September 2009 in response to a request by the Edmonton Police Service to find a way to intervene with groups of youth aged 11 to 17 involved in criminal and gang related activity. The program works with youth identified by the Edmonton Police Service to create opportunities and alternatives that lead youth away from gang association. It may involve working with schools to increase youth’s attendance and connection to school. It may involve connecting the youth and family to aboriginal culture and teachings. It may involve getting youth involved in recreation and the arts. The specific services and supports provided by the program depend on the individual needs and interests of youth and their families.

Youth are the drivers of the program. They will be the ones to identify the goals they want to set, what they can do to meet their goals and what help they need from others.  Based upon the direction and involvement of youth, the program will create a Circle of Support around youth to help them implement plans to make positive changes in their lives. Some of the key partners involved in the program are: Edmonton Public and Catholic Schools, Edmonton Young Offenders Centre, Edmonton Youth Attendance Centre, Alberta Children and Youth Services, Crown Councils Office, Youth Legal Defense Office, City of Edmonton and the Community Solution to Gang Violence. The program is funded by the Safe Communities Innovation Fund of the Province of Alberta.

The program is based on research and evidence that points to the need to bring a number of supports and services around youth who are involved in criminal and gang activity. It is also based on research that show the best way to engage youth is to empower them to create change and to surround them with supportive adults.

Traditionally, the young people of the community had a very important role to fill.  When it came time for ceremonies or gatherings, the young people were called upon to start the fire and ensure that the fire was always tended to and kept burning.  This was a very important job within the community, as ceremonies and gatherings would be impossible without proper fire. The Elders called ‘Pohna’, and these young people knew what to do. They knew they had an important role to play in the community. They accepted their responsibilities and saw the worth of their actions.  Drawing on knowledge from elders, Pohna: Keepers of the Fire seeks to create a place where youth are valued and given responsibilities to contribute to the community. It seeks to create a different path and future for youth. 

Nikanihew Future Leaders Program

In partnership with the City of Edmonton Community Services and the Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee, funding from Canadian Heritage (UMAYC) and the City of Edmonton

Nikanihew, which means ‘one who leads’, is a program that assists Aboriginal youth in becoming community leaders. This program is committed to involving Aboriginal youth in cultural, health and wellness, leadership development, and recreation-oriented activities, with the intention to keep youth actively engaged in proactive activities. Nikanihew combines the cultural teachings and guidance of Aboriginal Elders and leaders with the instruction of water safety education and leadership skills. These program areas compliment each other, teaching a respect for Mother Earth, and, specifically, the element of water.

It is through participation in these activities that Aboriginal youth will strengthen ties to their heritage, gain self confidence and leadership skills, take advantage of mentoring opportunities, as well as develop the ability to prevent and reduce drowning in the community. Specific program activities include cultural celebrations; cultural retreat and leadership workshops; and swimming strokes, water safety and rescue education. In order to reduce barriers to youth participation in Nikanihew, bus and facility passes are provided to participants.

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