First Nations Circle of Friends Home page

First Nations Circle of Friends

First Nations Circle of Friends History

In 2001, Michener Services, started the First Nations Circle of Friends pilot project to provide adults with developmental disabilities from an aboriginal background living at Michener with opportunities to learn more about, and participate in, appropriate cultural and heritage activities and events.

During the 2001-2008 period, the group developed a number of ongoing and periodic activities and events that were very positive for the individuals involved and that developed important relationships with others throughout Central Alberta.

By 2008 however, no adults with developmental disabilities from an aboriginal background living at Michener remained involved in the program and it was no longer appropriate to sustain the program in its original form. The program closed in June 2008.

However, the PDD Central Region Community Board wished to maintain cultural learning and participation opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities from an aboriginal background who lived outside of Michener.

During the Fall of 2008, PDD met with several aboriginal groups to community groups to explore how, or if one or more of those groups could:

Coordinate and facilitate cultural learning and participation opportunities and experiences for adults with developmental disabilities from an aboriginal background in Central Alberta.
Create those opportunities through staff education, use of community resources, and promotion of family and community connections and in a way that fosters the development of individual relationships and connections between the individuals involved and the aboriginal community
Assist existing aboriginal groups in developing capacity to include adults with developmental disabilities in their various activities, programs, and operations.
Provide educational opportunities for support staff to learn more about provide supports in cultural appropriate ways.

Now, in December 2008, work is continuing toward ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities from an aboriginal background have access to various cultural connections and opportunities.

The website originally developed by First Nations Circle of Friends leaders, Bev Sliger and Barb Alberts, is no longer current, but some elements have been retained because of the importance of the effort that was made.

Anyone who would like more information about the history of the First Nations Circle, or to explore options in continuing to provide opportunities should contact Wayne Morrow, Director, Community Resources, PDD Central Region Community Board at (403) 340-5738.