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:

Red Road to Healing and Traditional Teachings

Organization:

West Central Women's Resource Centre

Location:

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Target Group:

Women (early 20's and over)

Contact Name:

Shannon Buck, Coordinator

Phone:

204-774-8975 ext: 211

Email:

redroad@wcwrc.ca

Website:

N/A

Program Overview
History:

The program was started in 2010. The objective was to provide culturally appropriate programming for women dealing with the effects of family violence. Train-the-trainer programs are offered at the Centre. The training is for organizations who wish to bring the Red Road Healing Program to their agencies or communities

Program Description
Goals & Objectives:

To help women become strong on their healing journey, reducing their vulnerability to violence and abuse; to develop awareness of their rightful place in their culture; and to pass their learning on to their children and families.

Traditional/Indigenous ways:

Sharing circles, prayers, closing circles and drumming are all part of the programming. Elders come in to present teachings. Sweat lodge ceremonies are made available to clients.

Components of program:

The program has three components: weekly group meetings for 10 weeks consisting of sharing circles, education, support and ceremonies; referrals to treatment programs; and one to one support and counselling. There is also a monthly event that is made up of cultural activities and traditional ceremonies.

Services/How they work:

Services are provided on site at the facility.

Funding:

Funding is provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage; Neighbours Alive; and the Canadian Women's Foundation

Relationships and Stakeholders
Involvement of Target Groups:

N/A

Partners:

Circle of Life, Thunderbird House and Mamawiwichiitata.

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 based upon the participant's personal growth and their ability to effect positive change in their lives.

Achievements:

Being a resource and support for women where there was nothing before this program. Seeing the changes in the women and their positive response to the program.

Challenges:

Obtaining funding.

Things to Know to Replicate
Replication Advice:

The program is considered replicable. The most important aspects of this work are knowing traditional teachings and culture and understanding the complexities of family violence.

Resources:

Adequate funding, properly trained and knowledgeable staff and facility space are required to ensure the program's success.