Today was a new experience for me. I taught a polymer clay workshop at the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health.

I have been a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Ottawa South for five years, and what I love about being a Rotarian is that we learn about things and people we would normally not be exposed to in our own little circle. The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health is one of those things that has opened my eyes to the struggles in our own backyard. For over 15 years, The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health has been a place of belonging and a caring community for Ottawa’s Aboriginal population. Located in one of Ottawa’s poorest neighbourhoods, the Wabano Centre is a place to come together as a community each and every day. It’s designed around the Aboriginal belief that the mind, body, emotions and spirit must all be cared for. In order to support health and well-being, Wabano offers a full medical clinic, mental health clinic, community and cultural programs along with community outreach to provide a place that people can call home.

The children’s day camp program at Wabano has been celebrating Eagle Week. I was asked to teach a workshop class, so I designed a simple two hour beginner program where each child was able to sculpt and embellish a feather on a ceramic tile. We used Super Sculpey III in assorted colours. Some of the kids were a little unsure of themselves at first, but take a look at the finished works. Some are pretty impressive. You can learn more about Wabano at http://wabano.rotaryottawasouth.ca/