NORTH CARIBOU LAKE FIRST NATION, Ont. -- North Caribou Lake First Nation and Friendship Agreement partners, that included Fort William First Nation, City of Thunder Bay and Thunder Bay Police Service, were pleased to announce the launch of a Mentoring Pilot Program.
The purpose is to improve the academic achievements, employment opportunities, leadership and community participation by connecting mentees and mentors who will help youth achieve their potential.
This is one of many Friendship Agreement grassroots initiatives to address and close the Indigenous relations gap between Indigenous communities and the City of Thunder Bay and Thunder Bay Police Service.
The Friendship Agreement partners traveled to North Caribou Lake First Nation on Tuesday to officially launch the Mentoring Program, build relations with the youth, students, families and community members and host a BBQ feast. An overview of resources and services available for those youth attending high school and/or those whom may be visiting Thunder Bay was also presented.
North Caribou Lake First Nation signed the Friendship Agreement on September 29, 2017 as a result of a community prayer and unity walk last June 1, 2017 that was initiated and lead by leadership.
The Friendship Agreement was a significant milestone, as it was a first for the City of Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay Police Service and Fort William First Nation from 1860 Robinson-Superior Treaty (No. 60) to form a direct partnership with a First Nation community in the Treaty No. 9 area.
One of the key Friendship Agreement priorities is focused on an inclusiveness approach for youth development, social and cultural awareness and safety.
Visiting Indigenous communities is an important step in building a positive relationship and direct connections based on respect and trust with Indigenous communities. This foundation will set the tone for successful community-based solutions and reconciliation with all walks of life.
