To ensure that the healing and wellness needs of the Indigenous community are addressed by implementing the Indigenous Healing and Wellness Strategy at the local level. The Healing and Wellness program focuses on the improving Indigenous health and reduction of family violence which is achieved through the provision of services for those most at risk, notably women and children. The delivery of programs and services are culturally appropriate and address the prevention, aftercare and concurrent impacts of family violence on health. Services include but are not limited to: healing circles, peer counselling, crisis intervention, education, and training
Program Goal
The goal is to foster improvements in the health and well-being of Indigenous individuals, families, communities and Nations through:
- Provision of equitable access to primary health and healing services and programs, including prevention, treatment and support, that are culturally appropriate and culturally competent;
- Building on the strengths and enhancing the capacities of Indigenous communities;
- Addressing immediate and long-term measures related to family violence issues through community designed and delivered programming; and,
- Promotion of equitable, violence-free relationships and healthy environments.
Program Objectives
The area of responsibility of the HWC is to ensure that the healing and wellness needs of the Indigenous community are addressed by implementing the Indigenous Healing and Wellness Strategy at the local level. The HWC program focuses on the improving Indigenous health and reduction of family violence which is achieved through the provision of services for those most at risk, notably women and children. The delivery of programs and services are culturally appropriate and address the prevention, aftercare and concurrent impacts of family violence on health. Services include but are not limited to: healing circles, peer counselling, crisis intervention, education, and training.
Program Outcomes
- Safety planning with direct-service users, their children and their family when applicable;
- Increased education and awareness of Indigenous family violence;
- Development of positive working relationships with Friendship Centre programs to support referrals and case management;
- Ongoing relationship building, outreach and information sharing with community agencies, programs and services in the surrounding area;
- Addressing immediate and long-term measures related to family violence issues through community designed and delivered programming; and,
- Evidence of equitable, violence-free relationships and healthy community environments.
Target Population
This is a voluntary program open to any community member voluntary or mandated who is in need of services that address and work towards reducing Indigenous family violence affecting all ages and stages of the life cycle and services related to improving Indigenous health.
Services Offered
Direct-Service User Activities
Direct-service user activities are one-to-one services provided to an individual. A direct-service user is a person who receives services from IHWS-funded programs and for whom an intake is completed and an action plan and case notes are maintained.
- Direct-service user-based activities can include the following:
- Peer Counselling
- Assisting direct-service users to access services related to:
- reducing family violence
- Improving Indigenous health
- Advocacy
- Crisis intervention
- Referrals
- Traditional and Cultural Support
Participant-Based Activities
Participant-based activities focus on group rather than individual outcomes. They are open to a targeted group of people within the community or to the community at large. Targeted participant groups may include children, youth, men, women, the elderly, community leadership, and service providers/volunteers, as well as those who have experienced, witnessed or perpetuated the cycle of violence. Participant-based activities are oriented towards reducing and preventing family violence and improving Indigenous health by:
- Increasing awareness of specific issues, risks or concerns in the community or group
- Providing education and information to reduce and prevent community or group risk factors
- Promoting positive change in values, attitudes and behaviours
- Fostering healing and enabling individuals, families and communities to achieve and enjoy a healthy and balanced life
Participant-based activities include the following:
- Workshops
- Presentations
- Events
- Circles and group work (e.g. Anger Management, Healthy Relationships, Alcoholics Anonymous, Sharing Circle)
- Traditional and Cultural Activities
- Fitness/Recreation Activities
