FTC Canada's First Nations Programs

AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE IN OUR HISTORY

2011-03-15T06:08:00.000-07:00

We are very excited to announce this important milestone in the history of our organization, FTC Canada has changed its name to Speroway.

What does Speroway mean? Our unique name combines Spero, the Latin word for “hope”, with way, representing the path we follow. Pronounced spare-o-way, it represents a hopeful way forward, both for our organization and the people we assist.

In many ways, it represents FTC Canada coming into its own as a relief and development agency. In the five years since we began with our first food drop in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, we have become a leading contributor to meeting the needs of hungry children and their families in many countries with the help of caring Canadians. We hope that our new name and logo will bring greater visibility to our organization and strengthen our ability to communicate with our supporters so that our efforts to pass on their love and compassion for those in need can continue to grow.

Foremost in our decision to change our name was a desire to assert ourselves as an independent Canadian organization with its own projects and unique ways of serving those in need. The name “FTC Canada,” which came about through a distant affiliation with Feed the Children International, has caused some confusion over the years. As Speroway, we will continue to partner with Feed The Children and other international aid agencies on select projects, as well as pursue our own unique overseas projects.

We are also excited to unveil our dynamic new logo. A globe encompassed by a gentle wing. It represents the caring embrace of God, who makes all things possible and inspires us to bring hope to children both at home and around the world. Our new tagline “Delivering hope to needy children”, affirms our promise to serve those around the world.

Changing the name of FTC Canada also gives us “wings” to explore new ways of providing support. Food distribution will continue to be at the core of our efforts. But we’re increasingly excited by new opportunities to provide medical and dental care, education, housing and other essentials that will enable us to make a more lasting impact on hungry children and their families.

Thank you for being part of FTC Canada’s success in delivering hope! As we embark on our next phase of growth, as Speroway, we hope we can count on your continued support and encouragement.

Please visit the new website and blog by clicking HERE.

NEW FTC CANADA BLOG

2010-01-25T05:46:00.000-08:00

Please direct your attention and your browser to our NEW news & blog location at http://ftccanadacorporate.blogspot.com/.

This site combines news and information from all programs and initiatives in one place. You can also find the blog by visiting our new website at www.ftccanada.ca. The new website will feature up to date information on our work in Canada and around the world.

Camp is over for another year

2009-09-01T06:50:00.000-07:00

Mish Adventures 2009 came to a close on Thursday, July 30th with a community BBQ in the 10 Houses part of the reserve. Thanks to Diana and Robbie Bottle, we ended camp with a celebration of a meal with our good friends. It was wonderful to have Chief Connie join us along with many of the kids from 10 Houses that we spent time with for 3 weeks.

We learned a lot this year “flexibility” was the biggest lesson. Weather, school bus troubles and sickness caused us to learn to be ready for anything and to find a way to run the program with the kids regardless of the circumstances. We also learned, that as much as you can plan with a certain result in mind, things can change so much that if you just "go with the flow", the result can be so much better than you expected.

We will miss our friends in Mish - the greatest reward this summer – deeper friendships! Our lives have been changed because of the friendships developed with campers, parents and others in Mish. We are so thankful we had this opportunity.

Thanks to a great staff team – you are a ‘Dream Team’! Thanks to those behind the scenes who gave generously in so many ways. You made this a summer where lives were changed and seeds of hope were planted.

"Broken Walls" come to MISHKEEGOGAMANG

2009-09-01T06:38:00.000-07:00

“Broken Walls” arrived with a big truckload of equipment ready to be introduced to our friends in Mish. We welcomed them with a community BBQ and introduced them to everyone present.

Jonathan Maracle and Bill Pagaran led seminars at the Peg Youth Conference from July 20-23rd. Kris Delorenzi, another member of the group, joined them as they performed twice for the community. It was wonderful to have Barry, Luane and Joelle Greene also join us for the three days. Their regalia and dance was a magnificent example of the beauty of the native culture that is missing in so many communities.

The most exciting part for us occurred when the concert ended and members of the community joined the boys on the pow wow drum for a time of drumming and singing. It was wonderful to sit and listen to their hearts as they expressed joy to their Creator.

Sky Hedricks from Eagles Cry in Thunder Bay also joined the team. It was very moving to hear the story of his life’s journey. It was inspiring to the whole Mish camp staff team to watch Sky make the kids feel special.

Day 2 Report

2009-07-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

Thursday, July 16, 2009

As predicted the weather today was very rainy and unseasonably cold so we were not able to operate the camp program. This is simply because we don’t have access to indoor facilities as planned.

We occupied the time planning some events for the Youth Conference next week. This included cleaning the home that our guest music group, Broken Walls will be using next week and we baked several loaves of bread for us and members of the community.

Broken Walls is a band led by Jonathan Maracle, a Mohawk from Tyendinaga Territory in Ontario. The band performs a fusion of aboriginal and contemporary styles of music (http://www.brokenwalls.com/).

We are hopeful the weather will clear up tomorrow so that we can get back to spending time the community children. If it rains again tomorrow, we will run a program for the children on both Saturday and Sunday to make up for the lost days during the week. Right now it is promising to be a genuine summer weekend - complete with sun!

Camp has Begun

2009-07-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, July 14

We have arrived in a Mishkeegogamang community busily preparing for an election. Unfortunately this planned event has led to some unplanned disruptions and a lack of access to facilities on the reserve.

In an effort to adapt, in the first week of camp we divided our team in two and sent them out to the larger wide-open areas on either end of the reserve to operate camp near the children’s homes.

Our school bus has not been available, but we hope it will be ready for next week so we can resume regular activities at the school. The school has not been available, as planned either.

The weather has been great and we’ve had about 15-22 kids in each camp area. We have opted to run sports, games, crafts and, under the circumstances, everything has gone remarkably well. Unfortunately, because we have no indoor facilities, we will not be able to operate camp if it rains. Tonight there is a storm developing that is predicted to last for 36 hours once it starts. We can only hope the forecast is incorrect.

Many of the children remember us from last year and are definitely excited that we have returned this summer. It’s great to build these relationships as children get older.

We drove 24 hours to Mish, encountered a few challenges when we arrived but what a privilege it is to able to give these children some ‘fun in the sun’ for a few hours each day!

Camp Staff Training

2009-07-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

Muskoka Woods located in Rosseau, ON generously hosted the FTC Canada staff team during their own camp training session at the end of June.

This was the first time the Mish staff were together in the same location. We spent time getting to know each other and learning how to function as a team. We also enjoyed perfect weather, great food, wonderful facilities, and a chance to make new friends.

Considerable energy was invested in learning about the history of our First Nations. There was a focus on issues that they are currently dealing with and time spent learning specifically about the community of Mishkeegogamang; our ultimate destination in July.

Our time together in Muskoka unified us quickly and we are confident an excellent team has been put together for this summer’s camp in Mish. The team developed the following mission statement to help keep us focused as we serve together at Mish:

2009 summer Camp Mission statement:

To be enthusiastic role models while developing trusting and selfless relationships that teach the campers that anything is possible!

Volunteer of the Year Award

2009-06-24T07:24:00.000-07:00

FTC Canada received special recognition from Mamow Sha-way-gi-kay-win, North-South Partnership for Children. FTC was presented Volunteer of the Year honours in recognition of valuable contributions and dedication to First Nations Communities.

On hand to receive the award were FTC First Nations Coordinator, Karen Ward and the President of FTC, Ken Dick.

Staff Applications: UPDATE

2009-03-16T13:29:00.000-07:00

Due to the positive response to the application process for serving on the 2009 Mish Adventure Camp Staff Team, we are no longer accepting applications.

Thank you for your interest in serving on this years team. Please check back in November for the 2010 Camp Staff Application forms.

A Trip To Mish

2009-03-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

Update on First Nations Programs

March 2009 – A Trip to Mish.

Joey and Andrew Wesley are two Mish Adventure campers from the community of Mishkeegogmang. This winter their family narrowly escaped a devastating fire that destroyed their home and everything they owned. Suffering from smoke inhalation and second degree burns, many family members present in the home that day were truly lucky to be alive.

Remains of the Wesley home

The Chief of the community expressed sadness as she recounted the story. It would be hard for the family in the days ahead. A replacement home was not on the horizon and the family was separated throughout the community finding refuge where they could.

As Mish Adventure camp staff and friends of FTC Canada learned of the disaster, there was an inspiring, outpouring of love and compassion. Our Guelph warehouse received beds, mattresses, bedding, clothing, small appliances, a kitchen table, chairs and dishes. The supplies were quickly loaded with our regular shipment of food heading north.

It was a joy to be able to personally deliver these items directly to a “new” home made available to them in the area. The empty house was filled with the goods and supplies from FTC and the grateful family of twelve (including one new baby).

While we were unloading the truck, a group of Mish Adventure campers came by on a sled and stopped to help. It was a great occasion and they were excited to hear that we would be coming back in July to run the Mish Adventures Camp again.

In Pickle Lake we helped put together pallets of Kraft dinner, cereal, canned grapes, cookies, snacks, and many other items for 27 reserves in the far north. This was two days of work in a local warehouse with help from two young people from the Mish community. We stacked and labeled pallets and prepared the supplies for the trip up the famous ice roads north of Pickle Lake.

Thanks to the staff from Tikinagan Child & Family Services, Wasaya Airlines in Pickle Lake as well as all the volunteers from Mishkeegogmang.

FTC Canada values our partners. One plus one equals hope, happiness and relief for our friends in Mish and many other Northern Ontario First Nation Communities.

Karen Ward
First Nations Program Coordinator

2009 First Nations Camp Staff Application

2009-01-21T08:30:00.001-08:00

Please use the following links to find the 2009 First Nations Camp Staff Application and Camp Staff Information document.

First Nations Camp Staff Application 2009

Camp Staff Information 2009

For more information contact:
Karen Ward
First Nations Program Coordinator
1-877-382-2262 ext. 232
karen@ftccanada.org

Flying North

2009-01-02T08:02:00.000-08:00

The President of FTC Canada and the First Nations Program Coordinator made a flying trip up north in December. Thunder Bay, Pickle Lake and Mishkeegogmang were among the stops in a 24 hour period.

CAMP IN 2009
Christmas cards and Candy Canes were dropped off at the school in Mish for all the campers who attended our ‘Mish Adventures’ Camp last summer. It was great to see children in the school hallways who said, “I know you. Are you coming back in the summer?”

It was great to be able to say “YES”. We will be back to operate our third year of Mish Adventures from July 13 – 30th, 2009. We are all very excited!

NEW IMPROVED WAREHOUSE SPACE
In Pickle Lake, we met with Tom Morris, the President of Wasaya Airlines. He has generously offered to donate warehouse space in Pickle Lake and assistance through his staff at that airport.

We will now be able to ship more supplies and goods to reservations in the north, having overcome the space deficit we have experienced for 3 years. It is more convenient to fly cargo from this airport, as it allows for more frequent distribution of supplies to the many communities requiring assistance.

Thank you to Wasaya Airlines and our friends at Tikinagan Child and Family Services for making this happen.

2009 Update

2009-01-02T07:50:00.000-08:00

As winter settles deeply in the north, our First Nations friends have to deal with different issues and needs. Most children are back in school and, if available, involved in winter programs. Hockey is a very popular sport in the north and we are approached by many communities with requests for hockey equipment.

Through the passion and desire to help of one hockey mom, many children in the north will be playing hockey this winter. Jackie Jones, from Ancaster, Ontario, has raised awareness of the needs in the north and has hockey associations and sports stores very interested in helping out. Read the article from the Ancaster News at http://www.ancasternews.com/news/article/155323

FTC has shipped two truckloads north - one in October and one in December – for distribution to 30 communities in Northern Ontario. The goods shipped have included:

Juice and Food
Hockey equipment and soccer balls
Toys and Computers
Blankets and knitted afghans
Mittens, scarves, hats and sweaters

Thanks to the many donors who helped to secure these items
(Jackie Jones, North-South Partnership, Friends of Tikinagan Child and Family Services, Sheridan College)

Happy Camp!

2008-08-28T13:08:00.000-07:00

When we arrived on the Mishkeegogamang Reserve, it was with feelings of anticipation, concerns for the unknown and excitement that a year of planning was coming to fruition.

As the sun rose on our last morning in Mish, the feelings were of sadness that we were saying goodbye to our friends but with the full knowledge that camp went well and the children had a great time.

A day earlier, as the campers were getting on the bus for the last time, there were hugs, tears, waves and ‘please don’t go’ sentiments. Yes the work was hard and last-minute changes in our program plans challenging, but the smiles and hugs made it all worthwhile.

After many hours of swimming lessons, canoeing on Lake St Joseph, sporting events, colourful crafts and water balloon tosses, we knew we had accomplished what we set out to do. We gave the children of Mish a great camp experience, taught them new skills, and had many heartfelt conversations that conveyed a sense of hope that life can be good.

As we gave out the awards for canoeing, swimming and sports, we noticed the children had a sense of pride in what they had achieved.

Thanking Diana, our lunch lady and Tommy our bus driver, we knew we had made new friends and that their lives had been affected as they helped with camp. There was a noticeable impact on the parents as well.

“I didn’t realize what your camp was doing for our children until I saw how they interacted with your staff and responded to the obvious love you have for them. I’ve not seen them react that way in their normal life in this community.” said one mom.

No one knows what the future holds, but it is our hope and prayer that the futures of the children in Mish, will grow in a positive direction. Through the Mish Adventure Camp they discovered what great qualities they have inside themselves and they’ve seen that good relationships create a sense of hope in life.

Mish Adventure Camp Update

2008-07-24T06:19:00.000-07:00

Week 1

Our first week of camp is over. It was a busy week full of surprises. We had planned camp for about 40 children, but when the bus showed up over 70 kids came off!

It was amazing to see the children so excited and eager to come to camp. The staff, unprepared for over 70 campers, was flexible and improvised to make the day successful; so the kids would want to come back. After that first day we revamped the schedule and brainstormed ways in which we could run the program with almost twice as many campers. We have changed our schedule from offering one session of skill instruction to a creating a rotation of skill sessions. The amount of rotation in each area depends on the number of campers we have interested in each of the activities.

The excitement the campers had for swimming was unbelievable. We have had to create four times slots where the kids come to swimming lessons. Some of the children love being in the water so much that they do not want to get out. Even when the weather is a bit cool and the water feels cold the children want to keep swimming. Three cheers go out to Heather who spends all day in the water with the kids.

Canoeing has also been a huge hit. The older campers love to go out on the lake with Penny and Charina in the canoes. There are so many of them interested in getting on the water we had to split the group into a morning and an afternoon session.

Greg, Sam and Maurice have been spending time teaching campers how to play soccer, baseball and ball hockey.

Christina has kept busy coming up with craft ideas for both early teens and young children. Some of the kids spend hours at the craft tables making jewelry and taking advantage of the other great crafts we have brought.

Making meals has been a bit of a challenge but with the help of a woman in the community, we were able to feed up to 85-90 people each day.

Week 2

Week 2 is being run simultaneously with the communities Youth Conference. The weather so far has been incredible; sunny hot days with no rain and the children are enjoying water activities for most of the day. We are half way through our time here and we are really getting to know a lot of children and adults in the community. We really feel welcome and have made many new friends.

More to come ... Karen

Karen Ward
Coordinator, First Nations Program

Boston Pizza Fundraiser

2008-06-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

On Monday night, Mish Adventure camp staff, family and friends enjoyed a special fundraising event at Boston Pizza in Grimsby, ON.

Several of our First Nations camp staff, helped serve the Boston Pizza guests who came out that night for dinner. This gave them the opportunity to briefly talk about the camp and encourage people to support their efforts.

Many people were interested to hear what staff would be doing this summer and were genuinely captivated with their desire to work with First Nations children on the Mishkeegogamang reserve.

Boston Pizza graciously donated a portion of the dinner sales from that evening to FTC Canada to support the First Nations camp staff. Good job staff and thank you Boston Pizza!

Sponsor a child to go to camp!

2008-06-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

First Nations Camps for Kids

For $60.00, you can give Mishkeegogamaang (Mish) First Nations kids 3 weeks of great summer camp experiences at Mish Adventure Camp, July 13 - August 1, 2008.

Camp Activites include: Swimming lessons, music, canoeing, windsurfing, fishing derby, crafts, drama, sports, golf, BBQ's and much more!

"Last summer I saw children at Mish Adventure Camp who didn't have many reasons to be happy. First Nations children right here in Ontario lack purpose because they are impoverished. I want to help, care for, and love these children. It's the smiles on their faces that beckon us back to do camp again."

- 2007 Camp Counselor

For more information contact:

Karen Ward
First Nations Program Coordinator
1-877-382-2262 ext. 232
karen@ftccanada.org

To make an online doation click the link below:

To FTC Canada Payment Page

Please mail financial donations to:
First Nations Camp Sponsorship
FTC Canada
P.O. Box 30
Guelph, ON N1H 6J6

CCI/Canada Welcomes FTC Canada

2008-06-09T11:06:00.000-07:00

FTC Canada was welcomed as a member of Christian Camping International/Canada (CCI/Canada) early in 2008.

FTC Canada submitted the membership to create a partnership with the Canadian and international camping community.

Christian Camping International is an international alliance of Christian Camping Associations helping one another develop effective Christ-centered camps, conference and retreat ministries. CCI operates as a non-denominational evangelical organization through national and regional associations in countries around the globe.

CCI/CANADA is one of many Christian Camping International associations in more than 30 countries. Currently, there are approximately 200 regular and 20 business members in the CCI/CANADA directory.

The welcome has already translated into support for the camps FTC will operate in Northern Ontario this summer.

2008-05-26T07:05:00.000-07:00

2008 Mish Adventure Camp Staff

Kim Hamming - Camp Director

Lives in Dunneville and has graduated with her Bachelor of Arts: Child & Youth Studies from Brock University

Penny Dobson - Community Liaison

Lives in Hamilton and has just graduated from Sheridan College with her Social Work Degree

Kandy Ostrosky - Program Coordinator

Lives in Burlington and has just graduated from Sheridan College with her Social Work Degree

Heather Kooiman - Swimming Director

Lives in Smithville and has just spent the last several months in Africa working with ‘Save the Mothers’

Greg Williams - Sports Director

Lives in Hamilton and has just completed his first semester at Bible College

Christina DeOliveira - Creative Director

Lives in Brampton and is very busy helping out at the Brampton Music Theatre

Naketa Pinnock - Program Assistant

Resides in Hamilton

Maurice Brown - Program Assistant

Resides in Hamilton

Sam Williams - Program Assistant

Resides in Hamilton

Charina Betty - Program Assistant

Resides in Hamilton

2008-01-23T12:07:00.000-08:00

FTC Canada, with Christian love, compassion and integrity, responds to the needs of Canadian First Nations children and their families. We assist by providing food and supplies, home improvements, children’s programs, and youth life skills training, with a view to creating for them, a positive and more meaningful future.

Providing Food & Supplies…
FTC procures food and other essential supplies to be shipped to First Nations communities. FTC Canada works in collaboration with partner organizations in Sioux Lookout, Ontario that provide warehousing, workers, air transport, and important community connections so that FTC can reach the most families.

Operating children’s & youth programs …
Because of the many hardships facing children and youth living in northern Ontario's remote First Nations Communities, FTC Canada provides structured summer day camp programs. By training and mentoring the youth to serve in their own communities, FTC is helping them develop important life skills for their future.

Opportunities to become involved...

Send one child to summer day camp for 5 days - $150
Send one staff member to camp - $500
Purchase one week of camp supplies - $750
Fly 1000 lbs.of food to one reserve from Sioux Lookout - $1,000
Ship one truckload of food to Sioux Lookout from Southern Ontario - $3,000

Join our Camp Team...
FTC Canada is looking for summer camp staff -Download Camp Staff Application

For more information contact:
Karen Ward
First Nations Program Coordinator
1-877-382-2262 ext. 232
karen@ftccanada.org

Please mail financial donations to:
FTC Canada
P.O. Box 30
Guelph, ON N1H 6J6