IN A BEAUTIFUL NEW HOME !
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Indigenous organizations and various service providers came together with University of Lethbridge researchers to see what individuals needed when they arrived in the city . “ What they wanted to do was have a place where children can feel valued , respected , and be safe ,” says Tanya . Opokaa ’ sin was the result of that community engagement . “ We take it for granted that most families have vehicles . We take it for granted that most families have enough food until the end of the month . The majority of the parents coming through [ our doors ] are living at or below the poverty line . We don ’ t realize the struggles they face ,” she explains . At Opokaa ’ sin , families can connect with prenatal and parent education programs , early learning programs , family preservation , child care , and afterschool programming . All programs are accredited with a cultural component .
The Circle of Courage is the model that is used to guide programming at Opokaa ’ sin . The Circle , or medicine wheel , is divided into four quadrants representing belonging , mastery , independence , and generosity . The Opokaa ’ sin website states : “ The central theme of this model is that a set of shared values must exist in any community to create environments that ultimately benefit all .” In other words , communities that work together and share culture and values with one another will have a greater sense of understanding , and foster self-aware and empowered children who grow up to be strong individuals . “ Because I ’ ve been here for 18 years , I ’ m seeing some of our kids that were in our afterschool programs when they were just little , they ’ re in university now , or they ’ ve graduated . I ’ m so proud . That ’ s why I ’ ve been here for so long ,” Tanya exclaims .
Opokaa ’ sin offers several programs including the Early Learning Program , which is different from other pre-school programs with its holistic approach , focus on nutrition , and parent-volunteer component . “ It ’ s connected to overall outcomes . It ’ s not just school readiness , it ’ s not just language acquisition , it ’ s bigger ,” says Tanya .
The private kindergarten at Opokaa ’ sin is one of only a handful of Blackfoot cultural kindergarten programs in Alberta . “[ It ’ s about ] really empowering these little guys in their self-esteem , identity , and so forth . If culture is the lens through which we make sense of the world , having that component makes [ our programs ] more understandable ,” Tanya explains .
Parents and Children Together , or PACT , is a program offered three times a week in partnership with the Family Centre . It ’ s a self-directed , drop-in session that gives parents an opportunity to sit and play with their kids , speak with facilitators , and meet other parents in the community . “[ In the winter ] there ’ s not a lot for parents with young kids to do in the city . [ PACT ] is teaching
BRING IN THE NEW YEAR
IN A BEAUTIFUL NEW HOME !
VISIT OUR NEW SHOWHOMES TODAY ! Mon-Thurs 3-7 , Sat-Sun 1-5
327 Canyon Meadows Road
4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms
MASTER BUILDER
319 Canyon Meadows Road
4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms
323 Canyon Meadows Road
4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms
DON ’ T JUST BUY THE HOME , BUY THE NEIGHBORHOOD !
Melcor Developments is proud to present three beautiful new showhomes NOW OPEN in Canyon Meadows ,
These exceptional showhomes are situated on desirable lots backing onto a large 10 acre park and open space . It features a landscaped entrance with a pergola and meeting place , a playground and a bike path connecting the areas . Once finished , the entire park will be a place to gather for recreation and to relax and enjoy the natural surrounding .
For more info call 403-328-0475 www . lethbridgecommunities . com
LETHBRIDGELIVING . COM MAR-APR 2017 31