Ahnii! g1zhq5! Tawnshi!

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1 The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health is an urban, non-profit, community based health care centre that provides programs and services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK

2 Welcome Ahnii! g1zhq5! Tawnshi! Welcome to the ancestral territory of the Algonquin Nation The area in which Ottawa is located is unceded territory this means that it was never surrendered by any treaty or agreement to the Crown or government. It is part of our traditions to recognize whose territory we are travelling in and to promise to treat that place with respect. Thank you for becoming a Wabano volunteer! Every person has wisdom, gifts and skills to offer, it is the wealth of experience and hidden talents of our volunteers that make Wabano a success! This manual is designed to inform you on what you need to know about volunteering with us and serves as a guideline for your conduct as a volunteer or student placement. We encourage you to ask our helpful staff or the Volunteer Program Coordinator should you have any questions or concerns about this handbook. Our people learned what it was to be giving and caring, they learned from the maple tree it is a sharing sap. It can be harvested and syrup can be made from it. The origins of giving and generosity are connected to the environment around us. -Albert Dumont, Algonquin Love use kind words and be gentle to others

3 About the Volunteer Program The Volunteer Program is designed to improve the system of recruiting, training, tracking and supporting volunteers. Wabano is committed to attracting and accommodating skilled volunteers to enhance and complement its existing services and programs. Our Commitment to Volunteers As a volunteer with Wabano, you are a valued member of our team. You will be treated fairly as a co-worker with gifts and responsibilities. We will strive to give you the best volunteer experience and make you feel appreciated and needed. We will provide adequate training and support, with on-going guidance and direction. We will ensure you are working in a safe and fun environment. We will appreciate and respond to volunteer ideas, suggestions and feedback. Your Commitment to Us Although we do not have a minimum requirement for hours, we ask that if you commit to a volunteer position, please complete three scheduled shifts before deciding that it is not right for you. Please take the time to complete an evaluation. This will help us improve our programs and services for the community. Lastly, all volunteers are required to display your volunteer name tag in a visible area. Wabano has volunteer t-shirts available to volunteers who have served longer than 3 months. If you do not have a name tag, please see the Volunteer Program Coordinator for a replacement. Respect honour who you are and others around you

4 Frequently Asked Questions I am not Aboriginal, can I volunteer with Wabano? Yes! Wabano welcomes all people to volunteer with us. If you are willing to learn about Aboriginal people, we welcome you to our team! I m not sure about some of the cultural ceremonies or practices what should I do? The staff at Wabano is very supportive in your learning journey, feel free to ask your supervisor, the Volunteer Program Coordinator or the Culture Program Coordinator with any questions you may have. Can I complete my high school or other required volunteer hours with Wabano? We fully support learning opportunities. Kindly indicate that you are seeking a placement when you make initial contact with the Volunteer Program Coordinator. Do you have parking for volunteers? Free street parking is available on the side streets off Montreal road. Pay special attention to the time limit to avoid being ticketed. Unfortunately, we are unable to reimburse the cost of parking or tickets. A bike rack is available in front of the building during the summer months, if you choose to bike. For off-site programming, consult your supervisor for parking instructions. Can I volunteer with a friend or family member? Depending on the program and volunteer needs, we would be happy to look at accommodating volunteer pairs or a group. I have a criminal record, can I still volunteer? Wabano is committed to offering everyone in the community a volunteer position. We believe your past should not interfere with your ability to give back. Bravery understand fear and listen to it

5 Volunteer Appreciation Culture is the cornerstone of our organization. As a Wabano volunteer you will be exposed to the cultures, traditions and ceremonies of First Nation, Inuit and Métis people. You will have the opportunity to participate in cultural activities each season, and we encourage volunteers to attend our weekly Culture Night Program. Additionally, Volunteer Appreciation Potlucks will be held each season open to the community, staff and volunteers, their family and friends. As a Wabano volunteer, you are entitled to receive bus tickets to and from your volunteer shift provided you live outside a one kilometer radius. Occasionally, volunteers will be invited to special events and training opportunities. These opportunities will be dispersed to volunteers through an e-newsletter and will be posted on the Wabano website. We used to live in a four room shack, we had nothing to eat but everybody was welcome. We lived in a big community and took care of each other. -Reta Gordon, Métis Humility you are equal to others, you are not better or worse

6 Information about Wabano Wabano is located at 299 Montreal Road between Lallemand Street and Bradley Street in Vanier. Wabano is easily accessible by bus route #12, check the OC Transpo Travel Planner for help with planning your route- Wabano s regular hours are Monday to Friday 9AM to 5:30PM. The clinic remains open until 8PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and programs may run until 9PM Monday to Friday. From time to time, programs are offered on the weekends and holidays. While volunteering with Wabano, you may ask your assigned supervisor where to safely and securely store your belongings. We currently do not have a designated area for volunteer storage, please refrain from bringing cash or valuables. Although we will do our best to protect your belongings, we are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Wabano Mamawi Centre The Wabano Mamawi Expansion project will create a major architectural landmark in the Nation s capital. This magnificent structure, designed by renowned architect Douglas Cardinal, is a 25,000 square foot complex that will be known globally, attracting national and international visitors and building on Wabano s successful culturally-based services. To learn more about the expansion and how you can donate visit: Honesty always be honest in word and action

7 Wabano s Programs & Services The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health offers culturally relevant programming and events for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people of all ages. Most programs are open to everyone, refer to the website for more information. Awashishak Project (child nutrition & Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder programming) Client Advocate Counselling Program Cultural Events Programming Diabetes Education Program Health Promotion HIV/AIDS Education Program Housing Support Let s Sew Medicine Wheel Make-Over Program "I Am Connected" Program (substance abuse prevention program for youth aged 10-24) Mobile Health & Addictions Outreach Team Pre and Post Natal Program Sacred Mothers Circle Traditional Parenting Program Seniors Program Circle of Care Wasa-nabin (Wolf Pack) Youth Programming (Youth program for year olds that focuses on 1:1 support) Working Hope (Individual & group counselling for 5-21 year olds) Youth Diversion Outreach Youth Reintegration For more information about any of these programs, visit our website: Wisdom use your learning to make good decisions

8 There is no special way to thank a person in Inuit culture, there is always thanks. If I needed help, they would help me. If they needed help, I would help. That is how we work together in the community. Everybody is a concern. We help each other. -Sally Webster, Inuk Questions? Contact the Volunteer Program Coordinator 299 Montreal Road Ottawa, ON K1L 6B8 (613) ext. 317 kbrown@wabano.com Funding for the Volunteer Program is graciously provided by: January 2013 Truth speak the truth; do not deceive yourself or others