Family Violence Initiative

COMPENDIUM OF PROMISING PRACTICES TO REDUCE VIOLENCE AND INCREASE SAFETY OF ABORIGINAL WOMEN IN CANADA – COMPENDIUM ANNEX: DETAILED PRACTICE DESCRIPTIONS

Program name:: Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad Inc.
Organization:: Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad Inc.
Location:: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Target Group:: Aboriginal youth (male and female) between the ages of 11 and 24 years.
Contact Name:: Tammy Christensen, Executive Director
Phone:: N/A
Email:: tammy@ndinawe.ca
Website:: www.ndinawe.ca

History:: "Ndinawe" is a safe house that has been in existence since 1993. It was first created based on a community response to young Aboriginal women who were being exploited. It has now been expanded to offer different programs including educational and recreational programs.

Goals & Objectives:: To provide interconnected programming that is culturally appropriate to break the cycle of violence, poverty and isolation which exists with the youth in the community.
Traditional/Indigenous ways:: The resource centre offers cultural programs and a drop-in centre that allows youth to tap into their own interests and develop skills and self-confidence and build self-esteem. The program as a whole offers access to Elders and traditional ceremonies and medicines.
Components of program:: The program offers an accredited Youth Care Certificate Program that gives opportunity for adults to become employed and to act as mentors for their community. The Outreach program is a foot patrol, community outreach that offers at-risk youth access to safety resources and kits. There is a second stage house that offers chronically in care youth life skills workshops and a stable and safe environment in which to learn.
Services/How they work:: The service is outreach based and travels around the community. There are also on site services available at the facility.
Funding:: Funding is provided by the Province of Manitoba.

Involvement of Target Groups:: A Youth Board is based out of the Resource Center. They provide feedback and input on various programs and activities. They do planning for different activities. There is also a Youth Seat reserved on the Board of Directors.
Partners:: N/A
Other relationships:: Several different coalitions concerned with sexually exploited youth, gang life, and other at risk factors.

Evaluation:: Evaluation has been completed.
Highlights of Evaluation Findings:: The key findings recognize that "Ndinawe" is meeting the needs of youth within the community and that the program is a strong leader when it comes to Aboriginal youth. It is having a positive impact in the Aboriginal Community in Winnipeg.

Measures of Success:: Success is measured against the impact the program has on the youth; youth participation rates, both qualitative and quantitative results; and by keeping kids safe and providing them with opportunities that they might not otherwise have.
Achievements:: The positive impact that the program has had on Aboriginal kids in the community. It is a strength-based organization, which builds on the strengths of the young people, advocates for them, and provides a space where their voices matter.
Challenges:: Trying to maintain programs without adequate funding has been difficult. It's tough on kids when things have to end due to lack of funding, especially when they've begun to rely on the program.

Replication Advice:: The program is considered replicable. The most important aspect would be consulting with the community in which you want to do the work. Consult with the young people and keep them involved in the process. You would need to know the community. You can't start something that doesn't fit with what the community wants and needs. The connection to the community is essential and you would need to know the strengths of the community and have their full support.
Resources:: Adequate funding, human resources and facility space would be necessary to ensure program success.