Family Violence Initiative

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

ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES

Access to Justice Services

Program Name:

Mi'kmaw Venture Project

Organization/Community:

Mi'kmaw Legal Support Network

Location:

Membertou, Eskasoni, Pictou Landing and Indian Brook, Nova Scotia

Website:

N/A

Goals and Objectives:

To effect positive change in risk and protective factors and foster crime prevention in Aboriginal communities by adapting, developing and implementing culturally sensitive crime prevention practices to reduce violence and abuse.

Target Group Description:

Youth (ages 10-14)

Program Description:

Consists of 20 hourly sessions delivered during the school day over the course of the school year. Through classroom based activities, higher-risk youth are identified to participate in an intensive community-based program after school and throughout the summer. The afterschool / summer programs are designed to help youth plan and implement internal and external assets to help them live happy, healthy lives, free from substance use and violence. The community-based component includes four service learning activities that are designed to facilitate youth leadership and collaboration. Approximately 150 hours of community-based activities are provided throughout the year. Traditional values and the teachings of Elders are highlighted in every aspect of the programming.

Program Successes/Impact:

Community commitment to the project.

Key Lessons/Challenges:

Obtaining funding. Staff burnout. Getting parents to participate.

Program in operation since:

2010.

Program:

Ongoing (if funding obtained Nov 2012).