Canadian Native Friendship Centre Programs

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Pathways to Education

Pathways to Education Canada is a charitable organization that collaborates with community-based organizations across Canada to help youth in low-income communities' graduate from high school and successfully transition into college and university.  The program addresses systemic barriers to education by providing leadership, expertise, and a community-based program proven to increase graduation rates.

Pathways to Education Edmonton works with the Canadian Native Friendship Centre to deliver the program in Edmonton school systems, providing after-school tutoring, mentoring and financial assistance to address the barriers that can stand in the way of education. Each student benefits from a personal relationship with their Student/Parent Support Worker - part counsellor, advocate, confidante, social worker, and mediator - who motivates and guides students and their families, brings insight that can't be found on report cards, and holds students accountable to the contract they sign in order to participate in the program.

The Canadian Native Friendship Centre has created many community partnerships from the Province of Alberta, Edmonton Public School Division, Edmonton Catholic School District, Pathways to Education Canada, City of Edmonton and many other community partners. Therefore, our Pathways to Education program benefits immensely from the numerous resources provided by the organization. The Pathways to Education Edmonton focuses on providing afterschool supports and resources for Indigenous students grade 9 to 12 students, however we are open to all. Our program has embraced the national model and is heavily based on the Medicine Wheel model with Cultural Teachings and ways of being integrated into our daily programming.

Organizational Pitch for Volunteers:

The Canadian Native Friendship Centre is a non-profit, charitable organization that walks with a vision to promote an integrated, self-reliant, urban Indigenous community in the Edmonton region that supports holistic wellness in the spirit of cooperation.

Our Pathways to Education program is seeking vibrant PSE and/or professional to tutor primarily Indigenous high school and grade nine students in the core subjects which will be in the designated partnering schools in the Edmonton region.

We are an afterschool program so volunteers will provide academic supports between the hours 2:30-6:30pm weekly Mon/Tues/Wed/Friday and 12:30- 2:30 on Thurs. If Possible, we are seeking volunteers that can commit to work with our students for the full year- Sept-June.

Due to restrictions from the global pandemic, we will be providing a blended delivery model of online and in person supports to our students, therefore we require that flexibility

What are the benefits of becoming a tutor for Pathways to Education?

• You will contribute and positively enhance the academic journey of underprivileged youth success in completing high school and increase the graduation rate for indigenous students
• Experience and access to meaningful work in the non-profit world   
• Gain access and insight into indigenous cultural ways of being     
• Community engagement and connection to local schools and community partners

CLICK HERE for the Volunteer Application

CLICK HERE for the Student Registration Form

Virtual Indigenous Language Classes in partnership with Edmonton Public Library

Virtual Powwow Dancing Class in partnership with Edmonton Public Library

Are you and your family looking to do something active while also learning? The Canadian Native Friendship Centre's Powwow Dancing class might be the right class for you! Whether you are new to powwow dancing or want to learn a new style, this class covers it all. Come learn the history of the different styles and get a work-out in while you learn. The whole family is welcome!
This is a free registered, online class where you can learn and dance alongside other community members. To receive a link and passcode to the online class, please register with name and email address, and the instructions will be sent to you the day of the session.

Our Vision

The vision of the Canadian Native Friendship Centre is toward an integrated, self-reliant Indigenous community who participates as urban citizens taking responsibility for their shared condition in a spirit of health, cooperation and wellness within a strong cultural base.

Mission Statement

The mandate of the Canadian Native Friendship Centre is to improve the quality of life of Indigenous people in an urban environment by supporting self-determined activities, encouraging equal access to and participation in Canadian society while respecting Indigenous cultural distinctiveness.

Our Values

• We respect and recognize the inherent worth of all people regardless of race, creed, or culture, and we promote this view in the community
• We honor our elders and are guided by their acquired wisdom
• We encourage and support our youth in their role as future leaders and culture bearers
• We incorporate our traditional values of respect, honesty, sharing and caring in all our programs and services
• We strive for transparency in the way we conduct business

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