Family Violence Initiative

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

INTERACTIONS WITHIN COMMUNITIES

Healthy Relationships: Women

Program Name:

Spa/Vision Night

Organization/Community:

Charter Community of K'asho Got'ine

Location:

Fort Good Hope, Northwest Territories

Website:

N/A

Goals and Objectives:

To build self esteem, confidence and positive self-care habits in women; to reduce the stress, sense of isolation and depression in women of the community.

Target Group Description:

Women (Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal of any age).

Program Description:

The program seeks to bring the women of the community together in a safe, relaxed setting. It offers its services for one three hour session per week and provides workshops, videos and written material concerning self-care, parenting and healing. The program focuses on the physical, emotional and mental needs of participants through such activities as; foot spas, use of candles, essential oils (aromatherapy), clay facial masks, nail polish, relaxing music, healthy snacks, massages, positive affirmations, visualization exercises, sand self-affirming artistic projects. The program hosts a Facebook page as well as a community radio talk show concerning positive self-help topics. Elders and youth are provided with a venue to build relationships and maintain cultural integrity.

Program Successes/Impact:

The increased health and well being of community women and girls.

Key Lessons/Challenges:

It has been difficult to locate a big enough space for this program.

Program in operation since:

2009.

Program:

Ongoing.