Family Violence Initiative

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

INTERACTIONS WITHIN COMMUNITIES

Healthy Relationships: Children and Youth

Program Name:

Reclaiming Our Own Spirit

Organization/Community:

Creating Hope Society

Location:

Edmonton, Alberta

Website:

www.creatinghopesociety.ca

Goals and Objectives:

To provide a safe environment and peer support for Aboriginal at risk youth, reducing vulnerability to violence and abuse.

Target Group Description:

Youth (12-15 years of age).

Program Description:

Through recreational, cultural, educational activities, the program attempts to keep at risk youth in safe afterschool activities, assist them in making better choices, and staying away from harmful activities. The team utilizes smudging, has used sweat lodges, cultural camps, and has taken the boys to pipe ceremonies. Elders are involved in the program and provide teachings. Women Elders are brought in to teach the girls women's teachings, and moss bag teachings. The youth also attend local round dances, and powwows.

Program Successes/Impact:

Low client dropout rate and high interest level of clients in the program.

Key Lessons/Challenges:

Gaining parental involvement in the program has been a challenge. Coordinating with school staff has also presented challenges to the program. Obtaining funding.

Program in operation since:

2009.

Program:

Ongoing.