Calgary Urban Aboriginal Initiative
The Calgary Urban Aboriginal Initiative (CUAI) grew out of “Removing Barriers: A Listening Circle”, a multi-phase, qualitative, community-based research initiative that took place in Calgary in 1999. “Removing Barriers: A Listening Circle” engaged Aboriginal Calgarians in identifying barriers to service and systems access in Calgary, and, together with other stakeholders, vision solutions and recommendations.
Removing Barriers: A Listening Circle” report (.pdf)
CUAI is a partnership initiative that aims to support and enhance work across and between eight Domain groups by engaging broad bases of stakeholders in order to effect real and sustainable advances for urban Aboriginal people in Calgary.
CUAI is not a service delivery agency, a government department, a funding body, or a not-for-profit. CUAI is a true collaborative, and its potential is a function of the degree to which it engages community members, stakeholders and government around common goals.
The Calgary Urban Aboriginal Initiative (CUAI) is therefore a continuation of the work that was initiated with “Removing Barriers: A Listening Circle.” With a focus on bringing stakeholders, community and agencies together with all levels of government, CUAI has a mandate to facilitate Domain-specific forums in order to develop concrete, actionable and practical solutions to issues facing Aboriginal Calgarians.
CUAI MISSION
“To provide a home for ongoing discussion, coordination, and informed action in support of Calgary urban Aboriginal issues and initiatives”
VALUES
- To be culturally sensitive
- To use a holistic approach
- To be respectful
- To be inclusive
OBJECTIVES
- To ensure that urban Aboriginal needs are being met and that related issues are being addressed;
- To mobilize community resources so that the potential of organizations, institutions, individuals and groups is maximized;
- To advocate for social, policy and legislative change;
- To promote efforts and initiatives;
- To identify gaps in service and emerging Aboriginal issues;
- To act as a sector connector;
- To support community processes;
- To promote public education and understanding;
- To stimulate and support coordinated community planning and action;
- To remain flexible enough that diverse groups can identify with and join in our efforts – allow for evolution and continuous improvement;
- To facilitate communication across sectors and between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal groups; and,
- To facilitate Aboriginal community building – enhanced capacity, identity, pride and a sense of ownership.