The Hamilton Regional Indian Centre and The Boys and Girls Club of Hamilton and Halton have teamed up to continue their "Creating Connections" program to help both Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth learn about addictions, mental health, and healing using the Seven Grandfather Teachings.

Program Co-Facilitator Vanessa Henry said that the program has grown since its launch last year.

"I really like the fact that the program is actually growing. So when we first did it, we maybe had a handful, now we have 12 to 15 participants on a weekly basis".

Creating Connections began last year and the organizers hope to be able to continue to offer the eight week program year round with four opportunities a year to sign up. The program covers a different characteristic of the Seven Grandfather Teachings each week. During the 8th and final week, the program offers an opportunity for participants to speak with an elder or knowledge holder. A $10 honorarium is also available to participants who complete all eight weeks of the program.

Henry spoke on the importance the role that the program plays with the youth involved.

"Our youth are our future generations, so they're voices being shared is very, very important," she said. "Everybody has a story, so it's literally just created connections with the youth who are participating in this program".

For more information on the program, visit The Boys and Girls Club of Hamilton and Halton website.

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