Family Violence Initiative

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

ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES

Alternatives to Gangs

Program Name:

Warrior Spirit Walking

Organization/Community:

PA Outreach Program Inc.

Location:

Prince Albert, Alberta

Website:

N/A

Goals and Objectives:

To help at risk youth and children (in gangs or vulnerable to entering gang life) to achieve their full potential, reducing vulnerability to violence and abuse.

Target Group Description:

10 – 22 year old youth (male and female).

Program Description:

Program targets violence against girls through interventions and preventive counselling and workshops. There is education around what to do when being bullied. Program is offered at the elementary school level. Some clients participate in presentation teams where they have the opportunity to tell their stories to the community if they choose. Clients who have a lot of difficulty opening up are partnered with an Elder to assist their participation in the program. Cultural components are a large part of the program with clients participating in traditional activities such as drumming groups, sweat lodges, medicine picking and education, as well as arts and crafts of a traditional nature.

Program Successes/Impact:

Assisting gang involved youth in the making of better life choices.

Key Lessons/Challenges:

Obtaining funding. Staff layoffs have resulted in losing connection with some youth.

Program in operation since:

2004.

Program:

Ongoing.