Family Violence Initiative

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

INTERACTIONS WITHIN COMMUNITIES

Family Violence Interventions

Program Name:

Nimkii-Naabkawagon Family Crisis Shelter

Organization/Community:

Batchewana First Nation, Chief and Council

Location:

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Website:

N/A

Goals and Objectives:

To provide a safe haven for women and children leaving abusive homes that offers short term counselling and referrals to resources in the community.

Target Group Description:

Women and children

Program Description:

The program gives clients referrals to needed resources. It also helps fund different community programs (i.e. Elders Day). The shelter is involved in teaching youth how not to be abused. There is a focus on outreach to the general community to involve everyone in the healing process. The idea is that intergenerational violence affects all and so no one should be left behind. The shelter makes use of traditional approaches to healing such as talking circles, holding sacred fires, conducting sweat lodges and Medicine Wheel teachings. None of the traditional activities are mandatory as all beliefs are welcomed and respected at the shelter.

Program Successes/Impact:

Relationship building with other First Nations to increase services available to clients.

Key Lessons/Challenges:

Obtaining funding. Maintaining working relationships with a Chief and Council that changes as elections occur.

Program in operation since:

2000.

Program:

Ongoing.