AMC offers assistance through Eagle Urban Transition Centre

January 8, 2021

Treaty One Territory, Manitoba

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Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) releases this statement in regards to recent criticisms of organizations and their lack of spiritual and cultural services for First Nation citizens who seek services in Winnipeg and offers our Eagle Urban Transition Centre (EUTC) as strongtrusted and multifaceted option.

AMC Grand Chief Arlen Dumas said, “The AMC has a wealth of programs and supports available to all First Nations citizens who are looking for services. I, without hesitation, can say that the EUTC is by far the best and most robust offering of services for First Nations citizens, and includes a wealth of both spiritual and cultural options for clients to engage with. Specifically, EUTC offers the New Beginnings Program and Fresh Start Program, which works with individuals, youth and families to partake in monthly sweats, medicine picking, naming ceremonies, one-on-one counseling and access to Knowledge Keeper services. 

“I can attest that staff at EUTC not only go the extra mile to work with all clients in a variety of offerings, but truly put their hearts into ensuring that every need is met and that clients are served without judgment and with a sense of respect and empathy,” continued Grand Chief Dumas. 

Program Manager for EUTC Jarred Baker said, “It has been my experience that the best results are achieved when First Nation citizens provide services to other First Nation citizens. We are able to empathize and relate to their experiences without being judgmental and we want all citizens to know that we are here and ready to assist and support in everyway we can.

EUTC offers the following supports:

  • provide holistic supports which covers the four aspects of the individual: Physical, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual;
  • access to elder;
  • cultural ceremonies;
  • access to computers;
  • assistance obtaining identification which includes the SCIS cards (Status cards);
  • assistance with completing basic income tax;
  • mental health and addictions counseling;
  • housing;
  • employment;
  • education; and
  • source for the homeless to send and pick up mail.

Jarred Baker continued, “The EUTC is a valuable resource to the 63 First Nations in Manitoba. We are recognized as a primary source of service and referrals to individuals relocating to Winnipeg for reasons such as housing, education, employment, addictions, legal, family and health. Our primary goal is to assist First Nation citizens with transitioning into an urban centre, such as Winnipeg, and to assist with accessing the appropriate resources to become independent. We specifically tailor many of our services to spiritual and cultural ceremonial practices to suit our clients needs.”

Grand Chief Dumas concluded, “COVID-19 has made circumstances even more difficult, but has also created a more compelling reason why First Nations citizens seeking assistance should have all options available for them to access including cultural and spiritual options. This is a stressful time for everyone, and we are so pleased to be able to offer any citizens in need, the assistance they require during this time.”