Family Violence Initiative

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

INTERACTIONS WITHIN COMMUNITIES

Changing Community Attitudes toward Violence

Program Name:

Oskayikisitothn – Aboriginal Women's and Children's Program

Organization/Community:

Strengthening the Spirit Committee

Location:

Calgary, Alberta /Siksika First Nation, Alberta

Website:

N/A

Goals and Objectives:

To increase knowledge of historical, cultural and intergenerational trauma, and intimate violence from a partner and increase safety through a psycho-educational program.

Target Group Description:

Women and Men (18-68) and Children (6-12)

Program Description:

The program seeks to empower communities through the creation of a cultural domestic violence treatment program. The facilitators go to the community and build a committee made up of community members. Through a train the trainer program, the community becomes able to facilitate, manage and find sustainable funding to keep their own uniquely designed program in operation. Local Elders are sought to be a part of the committee in order to provide a strong cultural component to the program.

Program Successes/Impact:

The success of communities creating and sustaining programs.

Key Lessons/Challenges:

Obtaining funding. Women's programs have a high dropout rate. There is a challenge of clients having transportation to attend programs.

Program in operation since:

2009.

Program:

Ongoing (dependent on review in March 2012).