Restoring the Sacred (RTS)

e believe that our children are sacred and that their lives are important and worthwhile and it is our job to lead them in a process of self discovery and success.

Restoring the Sacred is a youth centred, culturally based program to support Indigenous high school students with the transition to living in Winnipeg & reaching their education goals through individual peer mentorship and after-school workshops. Restoring the Sacred is a program funded under the Manitoba Sexual Exploitation Strategy “Tracia Trust” and the
Manitoba Provincial Government’s Ministry of Mental Health and Community Wellness.

Goal

To support the development of healthy, happy, resilient and motivated youth leaders and achievers.

Objectives

Improve life skills that enhance safety and build confidence
Promote and support academic involvement, achievement and retention
Strengthen resilience and reduce risks of victimization (e.g. gang involvement, sexual
exploitation);
Increase awareness of helpful resources and services
Develop leadership and mentorship capacity in Indigenous youth through culturally based
and comprehensive peer mentor training and support

List of program workshops

Life Skills activities include Food Handlers certification, First Aid CPR certification, gang
awareness, sexual reproductive health, exploitation awareness, self care, navigating
Winnipeg (scavenger hunts), homework & education help, goal setting, employment skills,
and mentorship and facilitation training.
Recreational activities include bowling, ice skating, film making, attending community events
(e.g. Moose games, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Indigenous Film Week, etc), crafts,
movie nights, mini-golf, corn/snow maze, indoor laser tag, indoor trampoline parks, and a
variety of fun & interactive games.
Cultural learning & activities smudging, pipe ceremonies, sweat lodges, attending pow
wows, Yuwipe ceremonies, full moon ceremonies, hand drum making, singing, feasts,

medicine picking, cultural teachings led by Elders, as well as supporting youth in building
their bundles.

Building strong youth leaders – Mentors and Mentees

Restoring the Sacred identifies and selects motivated youth who are committed to being
positive and healthy role models and provides them with mentorship and leadership training.
Mentors are then paired with a mentee and remain connected throughout the school year.
Mentors and mentees are encouraged and supported to get together, by phone, social
networking, or in person on a weekly basis.

Program Activities

Both mentors and mentees participate in a wide range of life skills, recreational and cultural
weekly activities that are designed to enhance confidence, independence and identity.
Activities take place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings, between 4:30 p.m.
and 7:00 p.m. throughout the school year, September – June. Additional programming is
offered during the summer months.
All Program Workshops start with a meal, snacks and bus fare are provided.

Who are the Mentees

Mentees are Indigenous youth who have recently moved to Winnipeg from their home
communities to finish their High School education. Mentee’s are the program participants in
Restoring the Sacred. Program is based around supporting the mentees throughout the
school year.
Mentee Qualifications
(Must meet all 3 qualification criteria)
– Indigenous youth ages 14-21
– Recently moved and living in Winnipeg
– Attending High School, or working towards completing their grade 12 education

Who are the Mentors

Mentors are Indigenous young adult volunteers who are leaders, peer support, and seeking
opportunity to grow their skills in the community through guiding a peer in their transition to
Winnipeg.
Mentor Qualifications
(Must meet all qualification criteria)
– Indigenous youth ages 16-29
– Comfortable navigating around Winnipeg
– Mentors must also complete the Restoring the Sacred Mentor Training
– Must submit a Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse Registry Check

    How to apply

    Both mentee & mentor applications can be picked up at Ka Ni Kanichihk (455 McDermot
    Ave), through email (admin@kanikanichihk.ca) or can be found at the bottom of this page.
    Completed applications can be returned in person at Ka Ni Kanichihk (455 McDermot Ave),
    or scanned & sent through email (admin@kanikanichihk.ca). Participants attending High
    Schools with an Indigenous Graduation Coach can also inquire with the Grad Coach with
    any questions they may have regarding applying to Restoring the Sacred, as well as help
    connect with Restoring the Sacred staff to submit completed applications.
    After application is submitted to staff, participants are welcome to attend a program
    workshop. Mentees will be given any additional program forms, Mentors will plan with staff
    on next available Mentor Training sessions & discuss acquiring a Criminal Record Check &
    Child Abuse Registry Check (staff can assist in obtaining)

    Click here for printable Application Form.

    For more information contact:
    Restoring the Sacred admin@kanikanichihk.ca

    Phone (204) 953-5820
    Cell (204) 232-0869
    Fax (204) 953-5824

    Funders

    Family Services and Consumer Affairs (Tracia’s Trust Initiative)
    Urban Aboriginal Strategy