Family Violence Initiative

COMPENDIUM OF PROMISING PRACTICES TO REDUCE VIOLENCE AND INCREASE SAFETY OF ABORIGINAL WOMEN IN CANADA

HISTORICAL LEGACY

Healing and Renewal of Family Roles and Responsibilities

Program Name:

Family Healing and Wellness Centre

Organization/Community:

Temagami First Nation Band Council

Location:

Bear Island, Ontario

Website:

www.temagamifirstnation.ca

Goals and Objectives:

To address family violence issues, improve Aboriginal health, and promote collaboration and integration of programs and services.

Target Group Description:

Everyone.

Program Description:

The Family Healing and Wellness Centre utilizes the Medicine Wheel to address the issue of violence from a holistic perspective. The Centre believes that addressing the needs of the family is as important as addressing the needs of the individual as a method of harm reduction. These needs are addressed by offering services such as: supporting recreational activities such as men's hockey, arranging monthly grocery shopping trips, assisting with legal issues, assisting with after-school programs, and holding sweats, sharing circles, lunches and other events. Temagami culture is tied closely to the land so activities (hunting, camping, fishing etc.) that help connect people to the land are encouraged in all four seasons.

Program Successes/Impact:

Transitioning from a women's shelter to a program that offers broader services has seen an increase in involvement from men and youth.

Key Lessons/Challenges:

There have been difficulties in getting the community involved in the program.

Program in operation since:

1995.

Program:

Ongoing.