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: Children and Youth
- Program name:
Tekatsi'tsaneka:rons Girls Group "Blossom Flowers"
- Organization:
Kateri School
- Location:
Kahnawake Territory, Quebec
- Target Group:
Girls in grades 5 and 6 at Kateri School.
- Contact Name:
Karen McComber
- Phone:
450-632-3350
- Email:
- Website:
N/A
Program Overview
- History:
The program was founded in 2008 and ran for three years. The on hold status is due to the loss of the facilitator of the program and the position not being filled.
Program Description
- Goals & Objectives:
To improve clients' well-being using the Four Directions Teachings approach to mental, emotional, spiritual and physical wellness, reducing vulnerability to violence and abuse.
- Traditional/Indigenous ways:
A strong cultural component focused on the importance of language, traditional roles and responsibilities, Clan teachings as well as the artistic aspect of the culture. Clients participated in ceremonies such as sweat lodges, fasting, Moon ceremonies and smudging.
- Components of program:
This program used Western and traditional holistic approaches. Resource people and the Elders spoke to the girls at the school about reconnecting with the self, the family, the community and learning how to incorporate traditional ways in how they live their lives.
- Services/How they work:
Services were provided in various locations in the community.
- Funding:
Funding is provided by Head Start and the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.
Relationships and Stakeholders
- Involvement of Target Groups:
N/A
- Partners:
People of the Longhouse; Elders; Healers; Teachers.
- 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 clients returning for services; parental feedback; and how well attended the programs are.
- Achievements:
Parental feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Other girls outside of the selected participating classes also asked to attend the program.
- Challenges:
The program is lacking a facilitator and so it is on hold indefinitely. When in operation, it was challenging to find a suitable time for all clients to attend due to their schedules (school, family, and other obligations)
Things to Know to Replicate
- Replication Advice:
The program is considered replicable. A facilitator with traditional/spiritual teachings and a talent for working with youth would be needed to ensure the success of the program.
- Resources:
Adequate funding, properly trained staff and facility space for the programming would be necessary to ensure the program's success.
- Date modified: