Language workshops and job training begin the year at Eagles Fire Youth Centre

Eagles Fire Youth Centre will begin Anishinaabemowin language classes on Jan. 26 led by Amber Beaulieu, and it has partnered with Manitoba Education on the "Rise Up" program to connect and hire local youth.

Eagles Fire Youth Centre is beginning the year with a focus on cultural revitalization and employment pathways for local young people. Coordinator Natasha Leslie said winter weather slowed activity in January, but staff are preparing new creative programming and language workshops. The centre continues to run its Lighthouses program as a safe space for youth. Organizers describe the upcoming language sessions and employment initiatives as part of the centre's ongoing outreach. Key details: - Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) language classes are scheduled to begin Jan. 26 and will be led by Amber Beaulieu. - The centre has partnered with Manitoba Education on the "Rise Up" program, which connects youth with employment opportunities and allows the centre to hire local young people. - A tie blanket workshop is scheduled for Jan. 24, and early planning is underway for Red Dress Day activities including ribbon skirt making and community awareness events. - Eagles Fire operates the Lighthouses program and is described as a popular hub for students during lunch breaks and spare periods. - The centre is located at 350 Saskatchewan Ave and is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours on Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; a phone number is listed in the report. Summary: The planned language classes and the Rise Up partnership are presented as efforts to support cultural revitalization and create employment pathways for youth. Several workshops and community events are scheduled this month and staff expect those activities to continue through the year.