Family Violence Initiative

COMPENDIUM OF PROMISING PRACTICES TO REDUCE VIOLENCE AND INCREASE SAFETY OF ABORIGINAL WOMEN IN CANADA

SOCIAL CONDITIONS

Substance Abuse Intervention

Program Name:

Tungasuvvingat Inuit, Mamisarvik Healing Centre

Organization/Community:

Tungasuvvingat Inuit, Mamisarvik Healing Centre

Location:

Ottawa, Ontario

Website:

www.tungasuvvingatinuit.ca

Goals and Objectives:

To implement and deliver a high-quality residential addictions treatment and healing program that embraces and reflects Nunavut Inuit culture and values, supports Inuit clients, their families and communities and reduces the harms caused by alcohol, drugs and traumatic life events, including violence and abuse.

Target Group Description:

Men and Women (ages 18 and over)

Program Description:

The Mamisarvik Healing Centre operates on a 24/7 year round basis providing continuous intake and assessment services, culturally relevant residential addictions treatment programming and a continuing care program. Residential treatment programming runs on 53-day cycle and is provided to 15 individuals (co-ed) in each treatment cycle. The center offers evidenced-based, holistic, culturally relevant treatment services that include a comprehensive standardized assessment of each client, therapeutic cultural programming, individualized treatment plans and continuing care plans. Residential programming is delivered through a combination of group and individual counselling. Qualified staff, with clinical training and experience, deliver the treatment program. Service is provided primarily by Inuit staff and is available in both Inuktitut and English.

Program Successes/Impact:

This program is the only Inuit specific treatment centre in Canada. Hiring Inuit staff is a major accomplishment.

Key Lesson/Challenge:

Obtaining funding. Long waiting list, as current funding level is insufficient to meet the needs of all Inuit seeking treatment.

Program in operation since:

2002.

Program:

Ongoing.