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:

Mamowichihitowin Community Wellness Program

Organization/Community:

Hinton Friendship Centre

Location:

Hinton, Alberta

Website:

N/A

Goals and Objectives:

To break the cycle of abuse and focus on understanding and treating trauma both historical and current. Target Group Description: Everyone.

Program Description:

The program addresses the problem of incest within families and works with the family unit from both a holistic and cultural perspective. All therapists have a minimum of a master's degree. Both individual and group therapy are incorporated within the program. The program length is 18 to 30 months depending on the family. The therapeutic model is based on the Medicine Wheel, incorporating the Aboriginal perspective of spirit, mind and body, and the Aboriginal tradition of dealing with issues as a family unit. Traditional culture is incorporated with program Elders.

Program Successes/Impact:

Formal evaluation demonstrates clients have a zero recidivism track record.

Key Lessons/Challenges:

Obtaining funding. The challenge of collecting information to fit within government reporting parameters.

Program in operation since:

2000.

Program:

Ongoing.