Program that provides creative outlet to North Central kids sees massive funding cut
David Blondeau has learned a lot at All Nations Healin' Thru Artz. Having a place to be at 4 p.m. weekdays is another positive byproduct.
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David Blondeau has learned photography and guitar and life lessons over the years, as a regular in All Nations Healin’ Thru Artz. But having somewhere to be at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday has had another positive byproduct.
“After my kokom died (in 2013) … I felt like if I didn’t do something proper with myself, I was going to get into a lot of trouble, because I lived in the centre of this area (North Central) and I was friends with a lot of not-so-good people,” said Blondeau, 18.
“I would have ended up doing the same things they were doing … gangbanging or doing whatever they’re doing. And if I didn’t come here, I would have ended up in the same track…”
“I think it’s something positive to do; it keeps you out of trouble and everything,” Sereniti McAllister agreed.
The 17-year-old joined the arts-based after-school program three years ago, when a friend introduced her to it.
“I stayed because I really liked it,” said McAllister. “And I liked Monica; she seemed to genuinely care for the youth, which is pretty rare in a lot of programs.”
Monica Fogel founded the non-profit ANHTA in 2008, but has worked with youths since 1999.
A recovering addict and former prostitute, Fogel was on the streets in 1981, when Elaine Flowers was murdered. She was still there in 1996, when two men killed Pamela George.
That pushed Fogel to change her life after 21 years on the streets.
“When I finally got away from (my pimp), I was like, ‘OK, now how can I contribute to try to keep these kids off the street?’ ” said Fogel.
Through ANHTA, she provides youths aged 13 to 22 with supper, a ride home and artistic and cultural programming — all free to the participants. About a dozen youths are currently taking part.
Fogel used to provide transportation both ways, and offer a wider variety of programming, but funding cuts have put an end to that.
They may soon put an end to the entire program.
ANHTA receives grant funding from the City of Regina, Sask Lotteries, Sask Culture and the Saskatchewan Arts Board. But the bulk of its funding previously came from the National Association of Friendship Centres, which was federally funded.
Last year, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) created the new Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples, which required ANHTA to reapply for funding directly to INAC.
ANHTA didn’t qualify, which means a loss of $120,600 in the organization’s $150,000 annual budget.
A year of transitional funding has allowed Fogel to see through ANHTA’s 10th year. She isn’t sure what next year will bring.
Programming will run through August, wrapping up with perhaps the final annual performance.
Each year, the program’s participants have written scripts and acted out plays.
They do creative writing every Wednesday evening in a 5th Avenue office next door to the Bannock House, which also supplies the supper.
Lately on Mondays, Anna Obey is teaching the youths to bead business card holders from glass beads and leather.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, cultural teachings are on the agenda.
Elder Dick Byrd was there on Thursday to talk with the youths about Canada’s “injustice system,” dating back to the country’s foundation and signing of the treaties.
That segued into a topic on a lot of people’s minds this week — the Gerald Stanley trial and Colten Boushie’s shooting death.
“I like to get them involved in the conversation,” said Byrd. “Usually I do most of the talking of course … I want them to be able to add to that.”
Byrd has been part of ANHTA for the past couple of years, providing an elder’s “experiential element” to guide the youths.
He sees ANHTA as worthwhile for youths who, like Blondeau, might have chosen a criminal lifestyle without another option.
“When someone gets hurt in North Central … it’s very, very negative news. And it’s youth, mostly,” said Byrd. “So if David is coming here to this program, he’s not out there.”
As its name suggests, ANHTA is open to people of all nations. Most are from families that can’t afford an after-school program. Living in North Central is not a requirement to participate. The next session is on Feb. 26.
To join ANHTA, drop by 3040 5th Ave. from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. To register, call Fogel at 306-205-7333.
To donate to ANHTA, visit anhta.org.
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