SWAMPY CREE NTOH-TAH-TO-TAN LISTENING TO ONE ANOTHER

CANADIAN VERSION 2015 YOUTH PROGRAM BOOKLET

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WELCOME TO NTOH-TAH-TO-TAN

Tansi! We are pleased that you are participating in this 14 session program! The ultimate goal of the Ntoh-tah-to-tan Prevention Program is to promote the mental health and well-being of Swampy Cree youth and families.

We plan to use the traditional teachings of our Swampy Cree Elders and ancestors as tools toward our goals. It is our belief that traditional culture offers healthy alternatives to unhealthy behaviours, ideals, morals, values, and knowledge.

Although Indigenous people have been exposed to many unhealthy behaviours and social contexts that have taken tolls on well-being, the strength and resilience of individuals and communities can help foster good ways of life. Throughout this program we will talk about Minopimatisewin “A Good Way of Life” and what that means to Swampy Cree people. We will assist program participants to discover and strengthen their cultural identities and to promote community wellness through the teachings and practices of traditional Swampy Cree ways.

It is also our belief that we cannot promote the mental health and well-being of youth without working with the family as a whole. Often during the program, parents and children will meet separately so the adults can talk about parenting. Raising kids can be difficult, but is also very rewarding. Throughout the program, we will bring together various aspects of Swampy Cree culture and current North American culture, in order to create balance and the best outcomes for our youth, families, and communities.

All of our ideas are only ideas. It is up to YOU to make the changes to the program that fit the goals of YOUR program. One family at a time, we can make our communities happier, healthier, and safer environments for our children and for the generations to come.

*Reminder: Sessions will be held _________ to _________ a.m. /p.m. on ____________ starting today until _____________.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Snapshot of the Program (G): Session Goals (Act): Session Activities (WB): Contributions to Well-Being

Session 1:

Opening Feast We-Ko-Ke-Mo-Wen

(G) Welcome and program overview (Act) Our Family, Our Culture, Sacred Tree Puzzle, Roles & Values (WB) Feel honoured and respected as a family

Session 2:

Community History

(G) Gain more history knowledge and cultural pride (Act) History & Culture discussion (WB) Stronger self-identity and self-worth

Session 3:

Family

(G) Listen from the heart, see sources of strength, feel encouraged to communicate with respect (Act) Family Talking Circle, Traditional family story (WB) Communication skills & Family connectedness

Session 4:

Way of Life

(G) Learn about life stages and good ways of life, understand that mistakes are chances to learn (Act) Board game, History Timeline (WB) Values, role models, and sense of continuity

Session 5:

Working Together

(G) How to seek and give help, setting family goals (Act) Puppet show, Family goals, “Helping Hand” (WB) Psycho-social holistic helping skills

Session 6:

Living in Harmony

(G) Recognize bullying consequences, coping, and safe spaces (Act) Openness contract, “Not a Pretty Picture” (WB) Skills to protect and self-protect

Session 7:

Balance

(G) Identify anger factors, relationships, and coping (Act) Nana’b’oozoo Story, Musical chairs, Hassle logs (WB) How to notice (temper gauge) & channel anger

Session 8:

Problem Solving

(G) Discuss common problems and solutions (Act) Problem solving STEPS, Gifts & Values, Hero Journal (WB) Share, bond, and learn problem solving skills

Session 9:

Making Choices (G) Reinforce STEPS problem solving, practice critical thinking (Act) “Fish & Canoe” Critical Thinking Game, role-playing (WB) Critical thinking, dealing with peer pressure, helpful/harmful coping

Session 10:

Communication (G) Learn how to build strong positive relationships (Act) Hand Activity, Preparing children for success (WB) Increase self-esteem & self-worth, support

Session 11:

Valuing Differences

(G) Develop sensitivity to diversity, our actions, and discrimination (Act) Differences & Culture Tree, Discrimination Response Plan (WB) Social competence, planning for responses to prejudice, and active parental involvement

Session 12:

Social Support (G) Understand behaviour that builds and breaks trust (Act) Yarn Circle, Trust Walk, and Personal Mission Statement (WB) Support from community members, trust and connectedness

Session 13:

Empowerment (G) Understand community empowerment and how to do it (Act) Positive Change, Ideal Community, Scrapbooking activity (WB) Self-governance and involvement

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Session 14:

Celebration Feast

(G) Celebrate and reiterate how to integrate program lessons (Act) Blanket Ceremony, Show & Tell, Awards and Recognitions (WB) Child-adult bonding, honour and respect, sense of pride

SESSION ONE Welcoming Feast We-Ko-Ke-Mo-Wen

JOURNAL ACTIVITY

Use the space provided below to draw a picture of yourself

doing something you enjoy doing.

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MY FAMILY’S VALUES

Please pick two values from the Sacred Tree Story that are important to you and your family.

Discuss why those two values are important and what it means.

VALUE: What it means to my family and me: Why it is important:

VALUE: What it means to my family and me: Why it is important:

If you could pick a third value, what would it be?

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TAKE HOME: PUZZLE ACTIVITY

Put together the Sacred Tree Puzzle at least once during the next week. After you put it together, draw your own version of the Sacred Tree here!

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How has the Cree tradition been passed on throughout

the years?

SESSION TWO Community History

HISTORY

WORKSHEET

What do we call the learning process that includes meditation and prayer (hint: sometimes called a Vision Quest)?

a) Ricing b) Dancing c) Fasting

What is the original religion of the Cree people?

The Cree recognize the importance of thinking about our actions. For how many generations into the future should we consider the consequences of our actions?

a) 7 b) 6 c) 12

How many major prophecies were given to the Cree people? _____ Can you name three of these prophecies (several are listed in the movie)?

««««««««««

Where might we find the spirit of the

Creator? _______________________________________________________________________________________________ «««««««««

«

What is the sacred food for the Cree

(hint: the food that grows on water)

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JOURNAL ACTIVITY

Use the space provided below to draw a picture of what your idea is of a Traditional Swampy Cree Family that lived 200-300 years ago.

What are some values and feelings the Cree people feel about the land we live upon?

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TAKE HOME: TALKING CIRCLE SYMBOLS ACTIVITY

Next week, part of our session will include family discussions in a Talking Circle. Members of the circle will take turns to speak based on who holds the Special Symbol. Examples of Special Symbols include: A braid of sweet grass, a special stone, a feather. Choose a Special Symbol with your family for your Talking Circle. Remember to bring the Special Symbol with you for the next session. Does this symbol have a special meaning within the family? What does it represent? Why did we choose this symbol?

Our Special Symbol is:

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SESSION THREE Family

FAMILY TALKING CIRCLE

1. Children and adults plan the meetings together, with a fun activity afterwards a. Examples:

2. Select a time convenient and agreeable for all a. Examples:

3. Check the “agenda” for topics to be addressed

4. Select a facilitator each week 5. Select a note taker each week

6. Establish Talking Circle guidelines.

Common guidelines are:

o Every person has an equal voice and opportunity to speak o Use one, some, or all of the four sacred plants before and/or after each

Talking Circle

o It is your turn to speak when you are holding the Special Symbol o Others must listen to the speaker holding the Special Symbol

o Each person has the right to be respected o Everyone may share his or her thoughts and feelings about each topic

o Family decisions are made by consensus, except some decisions are

reserved for parents and caregivers o Other guidelines:

o Other guidelines:

o Other guidelines:

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o Other guidelines:

THE TRADITIONAL SWAMPY CREE FAMILY

Write down in the space below some of the key points that you learned about the Traditional Swampy Cree Family:

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JOURNAL ACTIVITY

Use the space provided below to draw a picture of yourself with your family. You may include extended family, pets… whoever you consider to be your family!

After you draw the picture, write the names of who is in the picture. You can have them say something about themselves using “speech bubbles”

Hi!

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TAKE HOME: FAMILY TALKING CIRCLE

When did you hold the Family Talking Circle?

Who participated in the Talking Circle and who was the Facilitator?

What did you like about

this activity?

How did it make you

feel?

What issues did you

talk about?

How was it

helpful?

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SESSION FOUR Way of Life

MY FAMILY TREE

Make lines from the ME box to show the different generations in your family and all those that you feel are part of your family (siblings, aunties, uncles, caregivers…)!

Me

Mom Dad

Grandma Grandpa Grandma Grandpa

________ ________ ________ ________ ________ ________

________

________ ________

________

________

________

________

________ ________

________

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STAGES OF LIFE

(Stage one), birth to age seven: We are spirit from the beginning. A baby comes from the Creator and is entrusted to its parents for safe keeping. Shortly after birth, the child will receive a name, the one already given from above. It is a time of innocence, spontaneity, joy, and the capacity to believe in the unseen. This is a time when the child will learn of the warmth of spirit, purity, trust, hope, and the uncritical acceptance of others. Learning to love as a child loves; a love that does not question others and does not know itself. Here courage is born and truthfulness begins.

(Stage two), age seven to puberty: As the child grows into the next stage of youth, many lessons will come to prepare him/her for the challenges ahead that everyone must learn about. Responsibility begins at a different level at this stage. Here the youth starts to learn the meaning of sacrifice, of sensitivity to others, feelings of love at a different level that expects nothing in return. Never before and never again will someone be an exact copy of another. This is true in all of nature. Puberty happens in this stage. The female will begin her moon time as she steps into her womanhood. The male will seek his vision. (Stage three), teenage years to early twenties: Early adulthood starts at this stage where one begins to learn of one's unique purpose, to learn how to correctly use power and to learn what the Creator would ask of him/her as a developing leader. It also can be a time of rebelliousness, testing, as one seeks his/her own way and learns from their teachers and peers. This stage of youth is very short for both male and female. The family and extended family are much needed during this time for support as guidance comes. A community nourished with love is the best environment for strong growth.

(Stage four), adult to age 45: As we move into adulthood we can and will experience hardships, lessons, and strength for the once- child. Decisions are needed to choose a good way of life. These decisions will take the Cree through the hills and the valleys of life. This is the longest stage of life and much will happen that will bring both laughter and tears. The values have been given and the choices we make are ours. (Stage five), midlife years; In this stage we begin to our midlife years. We begin to serve people at a different level and guide them through our growing wisdom. As with all the stages, this is a meaningful time in our lives. Our direct responsibilities to our children lessen and we begin to learn what the Creator would ask of us as leaders. (Stage six), teacher and grandparent age: At this stage we now move into the grandparent area. We become known as a giver and a teacher and people begin to seek us out for advice and guidance. We have been tested and won the gift of perseverance. We have learned the capacity to stick to a challenge even though it is very hard and even painful, so we can pass this gift on. (Stage seven), you are an Elder: The last years of your life are rich in memories and new lessons are easier to learn. The Elder years are respected by the circle and understanding has come full circle. We are now approaching the direction of completion and fulfillment. Here the traveler learns the lessons of all things that end. We have learned the capacity to finish what we have started and the tremendous importance of this to our well-being. Life is like a stem of an eagle feather. The road was broader at its beginning and as traveling continues, gradually the life-stem narrows until it disappears through the top of the eagle feather back to its Creator. The circle of life is completed.

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A GOOD WAY OF LIFE

What is a good way of life? What is unique about you at this age? As a child, an adolescent, a teenager, a parent, a grandparent, or an Elder, what are/were the good things in your life? Add your own ideas in the blank spaces! (And ask people in that Stage)

STAGE#1: Birth-7 Years ___Receiving a special name ___Rolling over for the first time ___Saying my first words ___Learning to feed myself ___Crawling for the first time ___Sitting up by myself ___Learning to ride a bike ___Singing songs ___Learning to do something new ___Being with my family ___Daydreaming ___Swimming ___Going to the library ___Looking for feathers ___Looking at the stars or moon ___Collecting leaves or flowers ___Drawing or painting ___Playing board games ___Playing catch ___Going to pow-wows ___Making decorations or ornaments ___Going to the zoo, park, or carnival ___ ___ ___ ___

STAGE#2: 7 Years-Teens ___Dancing at pow-wows ___Feeling good about myself ___Doing a good job on my responsibilities ___Being a good student ___Making my family proud ___Enjoying friendships ___Being outdoors/breathing fresh air ___Preparing for tests at school ___Playing sports ___Reading books ___Going out to a restaurant ___Saying prayers ___Fishing or spearing ___Solving problems and puzzles ___Writing stories ___Visiting with Elders ___Skipping rocks ___Listening to talk about old times ___Doing science projects or experiments ___Playing games ___Doing crafts ___Visiting with friends ___Dancing ___Hunting ___ ___ ___ ___

STAGE#3: TEENS TO 20'S ___Playing a musical instrument ___Cooking by myself ___Rock climbing ___Combing or fixing my hair ___Completing a difficult task ___Learning to sing ___Working on my pow-wow outfit ___Going to the movies ___Camping or hiking ___Running, jogging, or walking ___Going to the mall ___ ___Enjoying school activities ___Meeting someone new ___ ___Being an athlete ___Writing in a diary ___ ___Playing new sports ___Making career plans ___ ___Learning to drum ___ ___Graduating from school

Up next… Stage 3! What are you looking forward to?

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STAGE#4: 20’S TO 45 ___Going ricing ___Getting married ___Completing studies or job training ___Having or fostering children ___Being a proud parent and spouse ___Attending sporting events ___Reading a “How To” book ___Going to a wedding ___Exploring new routes ___Hunting or fishing ___Giving praise to others ___Horseback riding ___Doing outdoor work ___Running, jogging, etc. ___Doing housework ___Doing beadwork, knitting ___Making snacks or baking ___Playing pool ___Doing things for family ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

STAGE#5: 45 to Midlife ___Being a proud parent ___Being a supportive spouse ___Being active in the community ___Being a considerate person ___Sharing with people less fortunate ___Being respected in the community ___Being politically informed ___Planning trips/vacations ___Planning fund raisers ___Making food/crafts to sell or give ___Skiing or snowshoeing ___Meditating or relaxing ___Reading the paper ___Going to pow-wows ___Sitting in the sun ___Doing yard work ___Boating ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

STAGE#6: GRANDPARENT ___Teaching grandkids ___Being a proud grandparent ___Being a loving grandparent ___Being an active grandparent ___Supporting community activities ___Being respected in community ___Going fishing ___Playing cards ___Woodworking/carpentry ___Caring for animals ___Playing horseshoes ___Being at a family get together ___Visiting friends ___Gardening ___Seeing good things happen to family ___Doing things with kids ___Doing volunteer work ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

STAGE#7: Elder ___Inspiring community ___Offering wisdom ___Being available to give advice ___Being respected in the community ___Being visited by youth ___Knowing community cares about you ___Being near or observing animals ___Feeling spiritual ___Talking about old times ___Watching and observing other people ___Going to a community functions ___Reflecting/meditating ___Listening to sounds of nature ___Random acts of kindness ___Teaching something new to someone ___ ___ ___ ___

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JOURNAL ACTIVITY

Use the space provided below to draw a picture of your life timeline. Write your birth date on the LEFT and the present date on the RIGHT. Connect the two dates with a line, then write a word or phrase describing important events or experiences in your life next to your age and year. Some ideas include learning to talk, ride a bike, go to

school….

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TAKE HOME: A GOOD WAY OF LIFE

Who played the game?

What did you like about the game?

Did you have fun playing the game?

Would you play it again as a family?

What would make the game more fun?