Family Violence Initiative

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

ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES

Healing and Reintegration of Offenders

Program Name:

Seven Sparks Healing Path Program

Organization/Community:

Mi'kmaq Friendship Centre

Location:

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Website:

www.mymnfc.com

Goals and Objectives:

To support the healing and reintegration of Aboriginal federal offenders into the community upon their release.

Target Group Description:

Offenders (male and female) ages 18 – 50

Program Description:

Offender intakes are primarily referred by federal corrections institutions, Mi'kmaq Legal Support Network, and the Tawaak Aboriginal Housing, although walk-ins are accepted. The program offers referrals to services to address family violence and sexual abuse. There is a spousal support program that offers offender's families access to support groups, activities and talking circles. There is an anti-violence youth program offered as well. All activities of the program are designed within traditional Native practices and values that are based on the customary principles of restorative justice. Traditional cultural activities are a mainstay of the program's design to help clients reaffirm self-identity and reconnect with their culture and community in a holistic manner.

Program Successes/Impact:

The program helps men to find and maintain steady employment. A marked decrease in violent behaviour among men participating in the program.

Key Lessons/Challenges:

Obtaining funding. The program does not have the capacity to deal with the needs of sexual offenders. The poor condition of the program's facility space.

Program in operation since:

2009.

Program:

Ongoing.