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:

Tekatsi'tsaneka:rons Girls Group "Blossom Flowers"

Organization/Community:

Kateri School

Location:

Kahnawake Territory, Quebec

Website:

N/A

Goals and Objectives:

To improve clients' well-being using the Four Directions Teachings approach to mental, emotional, spiritual and physical wellness, reducing vulnerability to violence and abuse.

Target Group Description:

Girls in grades 5 and 6 at Kateri School.

Program Description:

This program used Western and Traditional holistic approaches. Resource people and the Elders spoke to the girls at the school about reconnecting with the self, the family, the community and learning how to incorporate traditional ways in how they live their lives. A strong cultural component focused on the importance of language, traditional roles and responsibilities, Clan teachings as well as the artistic aspect of the culture. Clients participated in ceremonies such as sweat lodges, fasting, Moon ceremonies and smudging.

Program Successes/Impact:

Parental feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Other girls outside of the selected participating classes also asked to attend the program.

Key Lessons/Challenges:

Program dependent on one facilitator who now has left and program is on hold indefinitely. When in operation, it was challenging to find a suitable time for all clients to attend due to their schedules (school, family, and other obligations)

Program in operation since:

2009.

Program:

On Hold.