BRISC is a Friendship Centre that promotes culture and traditions supporting the Urban Indigenous Community in the areas of Brant, Haldimand, and Norfolk counties.
Traditonal Values
Ogweho:we
Gendao
To have Compassion for all people and to treat them the way you would like to be treated.
Ganokwasra
To have a deep caring and love for each other, with unconditional acceptance of all people and be connected to the great love that our Mother Earth and rest of Creations holds for us.
Ganikwiyo
To use the Good Mind to build good relationships and clear understanding based upon equality, unity, and honesty.
Gasahtsra
To have strength of mind, body and spirit by being in balance with Creation and people
Awehaode
use kind, caring, nurturing words to express yourself and connect to others in a good way.
Gahskyaonyoh
To provide supportive and encouraging words with self and to others in our interpersonal relationships.
Sgenoh Genodonyo
To feel a real spiritual connection to the creator and all of Creation.
Anishnabe
Nbwaakaawin
Wisdom: to value knowledge is to know wisdom. Wisdom is given by the Creator to be used for the good of the people
Zaagi’idiwin
Love: to know peace is to know love. Love must be unconditional. When People are weak they need love the most.
Minaadendamowin
Respect: to honor all creation is to have Respect. All of creation should be treated with respect. You must give respect if you wish to be respected.
Aakode’ewin
Bravery: is to face the foe with integrity. The Anishinaabe refer to this as “state of having a fearless heart”. To do what is right even when the consequences are unpleasant.
Gwayakwaadiziwin
Honesty: in facing a situation is to be brave. Always be honest in your word and action. Be honest with yourself, and you will be more easily be able to be honest with others.
Dabaadendiziwin
Humility: is to know yourself as a sacred part of Creation. In the Anishinaabe language, this word can also mean “compassion”. You are equal to others, but you are not better.
Debewin
Truth: is to know all of these things. Speak the truth. Do not deceive yourself or others.
Our Programs
All BRISC services promote connections with community, culture and traditions, and reflect wholistic, strength-based approaches that support urban Indigenous children, youth, adults and families.
Indigenous Criminal Court Worker
The Indigenous Criminal Court Worker will work to reduce the over-representation of Indigenous peoples in the justice system by assisting accused offenders to..
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Cultural Resource Coordinator
We help coordinate and facilitate increased access to culture for the Urban Indigenous children, youth, and families, with a focus on promoting indigenous identity.. Read more
Indigenous Combined Court Worker
The goal of the Indigenous Combined Court Worker program is to reduce the over-representation of Indigenous peoples in the justice system by.. Read more
Indigenous Healing and Wellness
Healing and Wellness Coordinators aim to reduce family violence and improve Aboriginal health by assiting individuals in accessing services. They offer crisis..
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Wasa-Nabin
Helping to engage youth into social, sport, and cultural activities. Our vision is to keep our youth connected to their culture while creating positive experiences that promote positive experiences .. Read more.
Apatisiwin
A swampy cree word meaning "employment, training, and jobs." The Apatisiwin Program helps Indigenous people gain education, experience and skills to achieve and maitain meaningful employment.
Indigenous Mental Health And wellness
Providing a holistic and positive approach to support the needs of mental health and addictions for Indigenous people and their families. We implement programs.. Read More.
Homeless Outreach
We focus on reduction of Urban Indigenous people becoming or dealing with Homelessness and identify strategies to coordinate a plan of care for individuals and services required. We implement.. Read More.
About BRISC
The last Friendship Center in Brantford closed its doors in 2005, leaving large gaps in the community services available to the Urban Indigenous residents of Brantford/Brant Count, Haldimand and Norfolk.