Civil Municipal - May 2024

awareness, and local connections. Minobimaatisiiwin is a collaborative effort, involving partnerships with the local Friendship Center, pivotal in the program’s success. “This is where the beauty of community collaborations and partnerships come into play,” says Sgambelluri. The Thunder Bay Police Department contributes to the experience, while Lakehead University, tribal elders, and knowledge carriers give invaluable guidance and mentorship. The camp is transformative, with participants becoming mentors for future enrollees. Sgambelluri states, “It is incredible what happens during that week. Student leaders return to the classroom in September and take on leadership roles within their school spaces.” Biwaase’aa is a program by Shkoday that provides in-school and after-school services, mentorship, and cultural activities. “Shkoday is heavily involved in creating opportunities for powwows and feasts in our schools and we are extremely grateful for that,” but also enriching learning experiences through teaching Indigenous history and perspectives. The Lakehead District School Board energetically takes initiative, recognizing the importance of students seeing personal lived experiences reflected in education. Pharand states, “Our goal is to raise the outcomes for Indigenous youth by building staff and student knowledge of Indigenous history and perspectives,” Lakehead uses the 4-direction approach, a holistic method that coaxes kids through the educational journey. Present in every high school, the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit graduation coaches embody this method. The coaches offer comprehensive support to kids and families, aiming to increase academic achievement, student retention, and positive engagement. The Minobimaatisiiwin leadership camp for Indigenous youth builds leaders and emphasizes healthy relationships, positive self-esteem, self- 206 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 05