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:

Onyota'a:ka Family Healing Lodge

Organization/Community:

Oneida Nation of the Thames Chief and Council

Location:

Southwold, Ontario

Website:

www.oneida.on.ca/healing_lodge.html

Goals and Objectives:

To strengthen, enhance and promote a "Ukwehuwe" holistic approach to healing and help clients end the cycle of violence in both their lives and for future generations.

Target Group Description:

Everyone.

Program Description:

The program offers emergency shelter for up to 120 days and advocacy in the areas of housing, legal issues, financial needs and medical assistance. It helps clients develop goals and safety plans and assists in referring clients to appropriate services as needed. There are also daily educational groups and one to one counselling sessions available to clients. A 24 hour crisis line is available to women in need of assistance and counselling. The facility provides activities for children staying at the shelter with their mothers and there are a variety of workshops and educational sessions available to clients year round.

Program Successes/Impact:

Clients developing a better understanding of what constitutes a healthy relationship and what to do in a violent situation. Increasing community awareness of violence.

Key Lessons/Challenges:

Obtaining funding; difficult to retain qualified counsellors in the program.

Program in operation since:

1994.

Program:

Ongoing.