Being one of the kids who grew up through the Niagara Regional Native Centre’s activities and programs, James Doxtador went into the new year with one major goal for the organization: Connecting with young people.

Doxtador, co-ordinator of the Wasa-Nabin self-development program for Indigenous kids ages 13 to 18, believes it’s crucial to not only establish but also sustain a good relationship with children and adolescents.

“I think it’s super important just to build that connection with our youth,” he said.

In contrast with his beginnings as a youngin’ enjoying the festivities, Doxtador now oversees the centre’s planning for events such as its New Year’s celebration, held this year on Jan. 11, which featured a dinner and social with traditional songs and dances performed from 6 to 9 p.m. 

Held at the centre at 382 Airport Rd., the social began with a dinner served from 4 to 5 p.m.

The meal included turkey, roast beef, mashed potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, cranberries and bubbly. Free items for children were available as well, like clothes, toys and books. 

Sean Vanderklis, president of the centre’s board of directors, said a Haudenosaunee social is a specific gathering where two benches are set up parallel in the middle of a room, and classic songs and dances are performed by members from the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. 

“More commonly referred to down here as members from the Six Nations reserve,” said Vanderklis. “So we’re going to sing and engage in a traditional dance.”

“Everything’s done for the community. The goal is to bring the community together,” he said. 

Though the Niagara Regional Native Centre operates as a social service agency today, it started as a community collective, a legacy Vanderklis said they are committed to preserving.

“We still want people to come in, and we still want them to see each other, see people who they may not have seen in a while, and also enjoy a good meal,” he said.

Going into the new year, Vanderklis has his focus on a particular word to inspire him: Unit.

“We want to bring our community back together,” he said. “We want to improve.”

The centre’s community pantry plays a key role in supporting members in need and relies on donations to provide essentials.

Most needed items are pasta sauce, soup, crackers, condiments, canned fruit and vegetables, juice boxes and school snacks, instant oatmeal and pancake mix and syrup. 

Pantry donations can be dropped off at the location in town during business hours at 382 Airport Rd. Or, donate at nrnc.ca/donate.