Family Violence Initiative

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

INTERACTIONS WITHIN COMMUNITIES

Raising Awareness in the Broader Community

Program Name:

Community Action Research Team (CART)

Organization/Community:

Tlicho Community Services Agency.

Location:

Behchokö, Northwest Territories

Website:

www.tlicho.ca

Goals and Objectives:

To provide services to the communities, support them in the task of strengthening their families, promote the knowledge and skills they need to survive today, and model the values they need to live in harmony with their families, the communities and the land.

Target Group Description:

Everyone.

Program Description:

The CART program includes the following components and activities: an annual youth conference focusing on health issues such as suicide, creating healthy relationships; Ts'e Whii Ts'e Daa Camps (rites of puberty camps) are held on the land and teach traditional rites of passage. There are also programs focussed on the wellbeing of men; a parenting conference; and parenting workshops. All of the programming is based on, and promotes, traditional Tlicho (Tåîchô) values through the inclusion of the language, and Elders who provide cultural and ceremonial teachings.

Program Successes/Impact:

The program has been successful in engaging and empowering Tlicho youth, parents and Elders.

Key Lessons/Challenges:

The Tlicho communities have many problems to solve: lateral violence, diabetes, family violence, addictions and the inter-generational trauma resulting from residential schools.

Program in operation since:

2006.

Program:

Ongoing.