Family Violence Initiative

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

Program Name:: Family Healing Program
Organization/Community:: Warriors Against Violence Society
Location:: East Vancouver, British Columbia
Website:: www.wav.bc.com
Goals and Objectives:: To help Aboriginal families stop violence and abuse through reclaiming and utilizing traditional values of honour, respect and equality in all family relationships.
Target Group Description:: Everyone.
Program Description:: The program is holistic, and respectful of various cultural beliefs within the Aboriginal community. The youth program provides anti-violence workshops contributing to prevention of violence against women early on in relationships. Other workshops target the source of violence and help family members develop strategies and use tools to deal with conflict in ways other than resorting to violence. The program includes talking circles, smudging, prayers, sweat lodges and sun-dances.
Program Successes/Impact:: Involves the whole family. Incorporates culture in the learning process.
Key Lessons/Challenges:: Obtaining funding for more staff. Most positions are voluntary which limits the amount of time commitment workers can offer to their clients.
Program in operation since:: 1998.
Program:: Ongoing.