14 Sessions

Session 4: Minobimaadiziwin (A Good Way of Life)

OVERVIEW

The session’s activities focus on identifying what a good way of life is at various ages and different stages of live. Focusing on the Anishinabe value of “Minobimaadiziwin,” this session helps families to think about the positive aspects of life. The session will also encourage sharing about role models and ways to keep living the good way of life.

OBJECTIVES

• Know what “Minobimaadiziwin” means.
  
• Be able to discuss characteristics of a good way of life.
  
• Be able to identify positive role models in the community.

Facilitators: Be sure to read the “Welcome” document!​

Session 5: Healthy Self, Healthy Relationships

OVERVIEW

This session’s activities present ways to cope with bullying and cyberbullying. In the discussion about how to help others, the curriculum will explore the role of the warrior in traditional Anishinabe teaching. The session also includes materials about depression and suicide prevention.

OBJECTIVES

• Be able to identify signs of depression and suicide.
  
• Recognize the consequences of bullying and cyberbullying.
  
• Learn how to cope with bullying and cyberbullying.
  
• Know how to avoid being bullied or being the bully.
  
• Be able to discuss characteristics of modern day Anishinabe “Warriors.”

Facilitators: Be sure to read the “Welcome” document!​

Session 6: Naadamaagoziwin O’Nandowaabandan (Help Seeking)

OVERVIEW

The session curriculum presents ways to seek help and give help by following a good way of life. The session will also encourage the understanding that offering help to someone else is just as important as seeking help. Parents will brainstorm positive family goals and youth will learn about how to offer tobacco (asemaa).

• Learn the skill of help-seeking.
• Learn about ways to help others in need.
• Be able to identify people in the community who can help and offer advice.
• Understand the importance of tobacco (asemaa) and the proper ways of offering it.

Facilitators: Be sure to read the “Welcome” document!​

Session 7: Recognizing Our Feelings

OVERVIEW

This activities of this session focus on learning about the full range of emotions. The curriculum includes understanding how our emotions change in different circumstances, and recognizing that we don’t have to allow our feelings to negatively impact our behavior. The focus will also include the importance of understanding how others are feeling.

• View emotions as natural parts of life.
  
• Be able to identify important feelings.
  
• Learn effective ways to managing emotions based on Anishinabe values.
  
• Be able to identify “anger busters.”

Facilitators: Be sure to read the “Welcome” document!​

Session 8: Naadamaagoziwin (Problem Solving)

OVERVIEW

Session Eight explores ways to deal with peer pressure, following the rules at home and school, and understanding and communicating with family and friends. Families will participate in active roles of taking STEPS as a method of problem-solving and will be given the opportunity to share some of the problems they have been facing, and to learn about using the STEPS model in real-life situations.

OBJECTIVES

• Share common issues and solutions with peers.
  
• Practice evaluating problems, considering possible solutions, and foreseeing potential consequences.
• Be reminded of Minobimaadiziwin and Anishinabe values.
  
• Become more aware of gifts and values that matter most.
  
• Be able to use the taking STEPS model for problem solving.

Facilitators: Be sure to read the “Welcome” document!​

Session 9: Being Different

OVERVIEW

The focus of this session is on learning about discrimination and its effects. The activities include ways to deal with the impact of discrimination as well as the need for respectful relationships among diverse groups of people. The discussion will also acknowledge bias and the ways in which biases affect interactions with other people. The curriculum also includes discussing ways in which families can help reduce discrimination in their communities.

• Understand that differences make each person unique, not unequal, as human beings.
  
• Know the meanings of “discrimination” and “prejudice.”
  
• Have skills to discuss and respond to incidents of discrimination.
  
• Have the tools to develop a “Family Discrimination Plan.”

Facilitators: Be sure to read the “Welcome” document!​

Session 10: Dibi Shkoo Dibaa Jimo Win (Peer Communication)

OVERVIEW

This session allows youth to learn skills in identifying real friends and learning how to be a good friend. This session also focuses on building strong relationships with family and teaches parents different skills to help prepare children for successful friendships. Activities also include discussing how friends and family help in facing life’s challenges.

OBJECTIVES

• Share common issues and solutions with peers.
  
• Practice evaluating problems, considering possible solutions, and foreseeing potential consequences.
• Be reminded of Minobimaadiziwin and Anishinabe values.
  
• Become more aware of gifts and values that matter most.
  
• Be able to use the taking STEPS model for problem solving.

Facilitators: Be sure to read the “Welcome” document!​

Session 11: Gawiin Ni Wii Izhichigesii (Refusal Skills)

OVERVIEW

Session Eleven focuses on learning different ways to say no to drugs and alcohol. Saying no can be hard to do. By practicing different refusal skills, youth will be better prepared to face situations in which saying no may impact their lives.

OBJECTIVES

• Learn ways respond to peer pressure.
  
• Know various ways to say “no.”
  
• Understand natural and logical consequences for behaviors.
  
• Parents will be able to write a behavioral contract with their child.

Facilitators: Be sure to read the “Welcome” document!​

Session 12: Bimaadizi Wiidookaagewin (Building Social Support)

OVERVIEW

The activities in this session focus on the positive influences in the community. When families face stressors and problems, are there people around them who will offer comfort and guidance? Identifying the ways in which people build positive social support will assist families in facing life’s difficulties.​​

OBJECTIVES

• Know how to identify people who are trustworthy.
  
• Identify people they can turn to for help/advice.
  
• Understand how to build and maintain trust.
  
• Be able to communicate what living “A Good Way Life” means.

Facilitators: Be sure to read the “Welcome” document!​

Session 13: Community Empowerment

OVERVIEW

Session Thirteen will focus on the importance of community empowerment. Activities include discussions about community strengths and how communities can promote positive change. Topics include discussing how communities can improve, understanding community goals and how they can be achieved.

OBJECTIVES

• Understand the importance of community engagement.
• Understand what “community empowerment” means.
• Be able to identify community strengths.
• Be able to identify areas for positive community change.
• Understand ways to engage in positive community change.

Facilitators: Be sure to read the “Welcome” document!​

Session 14: Gitchi Ashangewin (Celebration Feast)

OVERVIEW

The focus of Session Fourteen is to celebrate the completion of the program and to recognize the hard work and effort of the participants. The celebration offers an opportunity to reflect on the sessions and how the teachings can be incorporated into the lives of the families and the community as a whole.

OBJECTIVES

• Have celebrated the conclusion of the 14 session program.
  
• Have begun to incorporate what they have learned over the past 14 sessions into their daily living.
• Received gifts of appreciation for their participation in the program.

Facilitators: Be sure to read the “Welcome” document!​