Family Violence Initiative
COMPENDIUM OF PROMISING PRACTICES TO REDUCE VIOLENCE AND INCREASE SAFETY OF ABORIGINAL WOMEN IN CANADA – COMPENDIUM ANNEX: DETAILED PRACTICE DESCRIPTIONS
INTERACTIONS WITHIN COMMUNITIES
Healthy Relationships: Women
- Program name:
Mistawasis First Nation Community Justice & Policing
- Organization:
Mistawasis First Nation
- Location:
Leask, Saskatchewan
- Target Group:
Everyone.
- Contact Name:
Audrey Pechawis, Managing Co-ordinator
- Phone:
306-466-4800
- Email:
- Website:
Program Overview
- History:
The program has been around, in one form or another, since 1996. In the early days, it was the Band counsellors who had to be actively involved in justice programming but now there is funding for other staff. The programming is maturing and is continuously being enhanced whenever possible. A very small camp was started years ago and it has grown to be an annual event that many look forward to as part of the healing process. The camp is larger and better organized and equipped than it was when it first started.
Program Description
- Goals & Objectives:
To help community members who are impacted by crime, and domestic abuse; and to promote healing and wellness of all community members.
- Traditional/Indigenous ways:
The program attempts to serve the various needs of the community. Sometimes cultural activities and practices are followed if the client wishes it.
- Components of program:
The program provides women's group sessions and with those, traditional talking circles. There is a focus on girls' and women's programming, one of which is a program called "Girl Power" that is designed to provide an opportunity for girls and women to discuss issues normally not discussed, such as domestic abuse. The RCMP services provide referrals, including to off-reserve safe housing as needed. Anger management programming is also offered.
- Services/How they work:
Services are provided on site at the facility.
- Funding:
The funding is provided by the Department of Justice Canada; the Government of Saskatchewan; and small private donations.
Relationships and Stakeholders
- Involvement of Target Groups:
Community members have been trained to help the police in domestic abuse situations.
- Partners:
N/A
- Other relationships:
N/A
Details of Program Evaluation
- Evaluation:
No evaluation has been completed.
- Highlights of Evaluation Findings:
N/A
Program Outcomes
- Measures of Success:
Success is measured by the clients' own growth (changes in personality and increased confidence).
- Achievements:
The program has provided a safe place for women and other members of the community to be able to find answers for themselves and their families.
- Challenges:
Obtaining funding. There is a need to expand the scope of the program to better serve clients.
Things to Know to Replicate
- Replication Advice:
N/A
- Resources:
Adequate funding, properly trained staff and facility space for the programming would be necessary to ensure the program's success.
- Date modified: