About Us

Why do we call ourselves the Foundation of the Parade of nations?

Our Foundation is a volunteer organization. No one receives a salary.

Historically, as individuals we all share a common ancestry since we are all ultimately descended from people who lived thousands of years ago. We do not all look or act alike because our ancestors evolved and adapted to various geographical environments and human genetics.

Our vision is “oneness, acceptance, inclusion and harmony” between all individuals no matter who they are or where they come from, including those afflicted by disabilities (physical and mental.)

Our Foundation is a volunteer organization; no one gets paid.

"A Light in the tunnel" Program - Purpose

Through our “Light In The Tunnel” Program, the Foundation seeks to promote awareness, acceptance and inclusion of developmentally challenged individuals of all ages and backgrounds living in Akwesasne, Cornwall and Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SD&G). We aim to help these unique individuals to reach their full potential, feel secure, understood, accepted, and appreciated. The Foundation also deals with crisis intervention on a one-on-one basis, i.e., individual special needs or animal cruelty.

The Program enables developmentally challenged individuals (see reference 1) with social and trade skills, through activities which will stimulate their mind and interests, and provide them with greater independence and a feeling of dignity by contributing to their community.

Reference 1. The developmentally challenged are people of all ages and backgrounds with a cognitive, emotional, or physical impairment, especially one related to abnormal sensory or motor development, that appears in infancy or childhood and involves a failure or delay in progressing through the normal developmental stages of childhood; affected physically by a disease, or by a disorder of the mind as a result of trauma.

Children do not discriminate. Children do not judge. It is time we open our hearts and become children again. At any time, we, ourselves could become victims of trauma and be faced with the same situation. Each one of us deserves to be treated with dignity and be included in our community.

Program Objectives

• Addressing our community's need to increase awareness about developmentally challenged individuals on a one-on-one basis.
• Providing the tools for improving individual capabilities.
• Engaging individuals in activities according to interests, dreams, goals and capabilities.

Program Activities

• Social activities: sports and games, movies, restaurant outings, annual picnic with families, train and plane rides, club house events.
• Educational activities: camping, concerts, music and dance lessons, museum and field trips.
• Professional activities: social and trade skills classes, technology (computers, etc.).
• Provision of technological devices, to a specific individual, through professional evaluation, towards the achievement of a greater personal independence.
• Skilled professionals to teach social and trade skills classes, as per their individual interests and capabilities.

How Does "A light in the tunnel" Work

In collaboration with the Director of the "Include Program" (see Sponsors, Others for details under "Include "), the Foundation of the Parade of nations is made up of partners from the public, private and non-profit sectors of Akwesasne, Cornwall and SD&G. These partners want our community to be committed to the well-being of the developmentally challenged and their families and are committed to increasing and improving the services and programs available to this particular group of individuals on a one-on-one basis.

COST OF ACTIVITIES 

Any donation is appreciated, whether monetary or gift-in-kind contributions towards a specific activity. Below is an idea of what your gracious donation can provide(as of January 2009).

SERVICES OFFERED/ TECHNOLOGICAL DEVICES

Note: Other activities may be added as suggested or requested and will be posted on the website.