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
Family Violence Interventions
- Program name:
Onyota'a:ka Family Healing Lodge
- Organization:
Oneida Nation of the Thames Chief and Council
- Location:
Southwold, Ontario
- Target Group:
Everyone.
- Contact Name:
N/A
- Phone:
519-652-0657
- Email:
- Website:
Program Overview
- History:
The program was established in 1984 and has expanded its available services to help men. The size of the building has also grown and the number of beds has nearly doubled since the facility opened its doors.
Program Description
- Goals & Objectives:
To strengthen, enhance and promote an Ukwehuwe holistic approach to healing and help clients end the cycle of violence in their lives and for future generations.
- Traditional/Indigenous ways:
The lodge staff has limited cultural experience and will be taking on a post-secondary student to develop modules to bring more traditional elements into the program.
- Components of program:
The program offers emergency shelter for up to 120 days and offers advocacy in the areas of housing, legal issues, financial needs and medical assistance. It helps clients develop goals and safety plans and assists in referring clients to appropriate services as needed. There are also daily educational groups and one to one counselling sessions available to clients. A 24-hour crisis line is available to women in need of assistance and counselling. The facility provides activities for children staying at the shelter with their mother and there are a variety of workshops and educational sessions available to clients year round.
- Services/How they work:
Services are provided on site at the facility.
- Funding:
Funding is provided by the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy; and the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Relationships and Stakeholders
- Involvement of Target Groups:
N/A
- Partners:
Outreach workers collaborate with other departments including the Education department and the Youth Centre. The Lodge also works with the local child welfare program and departments responsible for health, human services and recreation.
- 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 how well the clients feel their needs were met, how safe they felt, and if they were able to voice complaints without reprisal.
- Achievements:
Clients are developing a better understanding of what constitutes a healthy relationship and what to do in a violent situation. The program has increased the community's awareness of violence.
- Challenges:
Obtaining funding. Insufficient funding makes it difficult to retain qualified counsellors in the program.
Things to Know to Replicate
- Replication Advice:
The program is considered replicable. The community must be agreeable to the program. It is important for staff to have their own plan of care to help maintain their mental health.
- Resources:
Adequate funding, properly trained staff and facility space for the programming would be necessary to ensure the program's success.
- Date modified: