Batshaw Youth and Family Centres received a grant from the Ministry of Health and Social Services to develop cultural safety activities for their First Nations, Métis and Inuit clients. An Elder was hired, on a contractual basis, to lend a hand. An Elder is someone with enough life experience and knowledge of Indigenous traditions to offer guidance and teachings grounded in that experience and knowledge. At our CIUSSS, that person is Nick Huard. Born to the Bear Clan in Listuguj, a Mi’gmaw community on the Gaspé Peninsula, he is an expert in Indigenous art and culture.
On June 10, Nick took part in Batshaw Youth and Family Centre’s Indigenous Day, which was held at their Prévost campus. His participation generated a great deal of interest among the youth who were eager to meet him. Nick is also the resident Elder at the Université de Montréal, where he gives conferences, lends his support and contributes to the Plan d’action en décolonisation, réconciliation et autochtonisation. In collaboration with Batshaw Centres, he also develops training content for the centre’s professionals. That said, a wonderful pilot project was launched at the Prévost campus on October 20.
Seven youths took part in this inaugural activity that included a workshop on making dream catchers and chats. Nick provided all the supplies, which included a variety of feathers and leather from several species of birds and animals, as well as wood and rawhide, providing each participant with an opportunity to choose elements that meant something to them and that they could relate to. “This activity was a huge success and the kids really enjoyed it. Nick is a quiet force and inspires confidence,” said clinical activities specialist Laurie-Ann Meyer. “His role is to pass his knowledge on in a meaningful and non-judgemental way, while listening, something he does with so much care and compassion. The kids adore him!” she adds.