Inuit Drumming and Dancing Workshop

In June 2006, the Centre partnered with The Rooms and the City of St. John's to offer an Inuit Drumming and Dancing Workshop. Simon Kohlmeister and Matthew Okkuatsiak of Nain, NL facilitated the workshop. Simon demonstrated how to construct an Inuit Drum and Matthew instructed the group on a number of songs and dances. The workshop was a great success and nine drums were constructed as a result.

Doors Open Newfoundland and Labrador

Doors Open is a unique opportunity for the citizens and visitors to St. John's to celebrate our heritage through the exploration of some of our hidden historical, architectural, and cultural gems. One of the aims of this project is to stimulate public involvement in the cultural heritage of their area. For this event, youth members gave guided tours of the Friendship Centre and faces were painted for the younger visitors.

Healing Our Nations

Healing Our Nations, an AIDS Task Force for the Atlantic Provinces, based out of Nova Scotia visited the Youth Centre in October of 2005. The purpose of the Task Force is to educate First Nation people about HIV disease and AIDS. The team gave a presentation on HIV/AIDS and informed the youth on prevention as well as resources available to them should they find themselves in the situation of being HIV positive. The team also gave a short presentation on STI's, how to prevent and identify them.

Beothuck Cultural Excursion

Through fundraising efforts and a financial contribution form the Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, ten youth members traveled to Central Newfoundland to learn about Beothuck Culture. From visits to the Burnside Interpretation Centre, the Boyd's Cove Interpretation Centre, and the Mary March Museum, youth learned about the important role Beothuck people played in Newfoundland History, their way of life, and experienced the regions inhabited by the Beothuck. The trip also included a White Water Rafting adventure down the Exploits River. Some Beothuck people resided on the banks of this river.

Aboriginal Peoples Music Program

In pertnership with Memorial University of Newfoundland, the Four Winds Aboriginal Youth Centre hosted a music workshop entitled "Youth Centre Unplugged." Aboriginal musicians: Lucie Idlout (CAMA award winner, widely sought out performer of international distinction; Paul Pike (originally from Corner Brook, now director of the Medicine Dream and residing in Alaska); and Harry Martin (veteran recording artist from Happy Valley/Goose Bay, Labrador) facilitated a work shop on various issues facing Aboriginal musicians and answered questions youth had about the music industry.

The Four Winds Aboriginal Youth Centre Grand Opening

In October 2004, the St. John's Native Friendship Centre celebrated the official opening of the Four Winds Aboriginal Youth Centre (FWAYC). The youth centre is a drop-in centre with programs for Aboriginal youth between the ages of 10-29. It is opened from 9am-8pm Monday to Friday. The centre offers a variety of programs including: Kids Craft Day, Homework Haven, Dancing and Drumming, Culture Nights, and Friday Night Outings. The centre also hosts social gatherings and parties for a variety of occasions. The main objective of the Youth Centre is to provide Aboriginal Youth with a place to feel safe and free to be themselves in a culturally friendly environment.