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:

The Non-Shelter Family Violence and Community Justice Program

Organization/Community:

The Zhahti Koe Friendship Centre

Location:

Fort Providence, Northwest Territories

Website:

N/A

Goals and Objectives:

To reduce and eliminate family violence and youth crime by providing healthy alternatives, positive role models and reconnecting Elders with clients.

Target Group Description:

Everyone at risk from family violence and crime.

Program Description:

The program operates by hosting a return to the land type healing camp located at two traditional Dene sites. Healing camps are 7-8 days in length and are staffed by local Elders and resource people. The program works in tandem with the Youth Justice Committee to divert some first time offenders to the camp program. Some offenders whose sentence includes community hours are assigned work at the camps doing maintenance or teaching hunting/trapping or other land skills. Elders offer their own traditional counselling and teaching of land based skills. Included in the program are traditional spiritual practices such as drumming, prayers, dances, tending fire and cleansing ceremonies.

Program Successes/Impact:

The restoration of local Elders to traditional leadership roles. An increased pride of all band members in their heritage.

Key Lessons/Challenges:

None given

Program in operation since:

2009.

Program:

Ongoing.