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:
Walking the Path Together
- Organization/Community:
Alberta Council of Women's Shelters
- Location:
Edmonton, Alberta
- Website:
- Goals and Objectives:
To end the intergenerational cycle of violence against children and to instil a sense of pride in the children's First Nations heritage.
- Target Group Description:
Girls and Boys between the ages of 6 and 8.
- Program Description:
The program is designed to teach young girls (and boys) not to accept violence in their relationships with other children, siblings, and caregivers. There are also life skills and domestic abuse workshops offered to adult women. The workers in the program report directly to the Executive Directors of their communities. These workers are trained using Medicine Wheel teachings, talking circles and the inclusion of Elders as mentors. Program direction is arrived at through consensus of the stakeholders (Program Directors, workers and the community involved in the program). The program focuses on a traditional Indigenous philosophy to achieve its goals.
- Program Successes/Impact:
Children in the program have left gangs, returned to school and become involved in sports. Parents have overcome their addictions and become stronger caregivers.
- Key Lessons/Challenges:
Building an effective partnership with Child Welfare Services.
- Program in operation since:
2009.
- Program:
Ongoing.
- Date modified: