History
In 1988 the government of Canada launched a special initiative to address both the root causes and effects of Family Violence. It was with this objective in mind that the "Project Havens" were established across Canada. This initiative would assist First Nations to establish and operate shelters: addressing the issues of family violence by designing and delivering their own initiatives to alleviate the problem.
Project Haven: Fisher River Cree Nation
In response to this federal initiative, the Chief and Council submitted a proposal to INAC to establish a Project Haven on the Fisher River Cree Nation. In partnership with CMHC, in December of 1991 the construction of Project Haven was completed. This facility would service the primary catchment area consisting of the Fisher River, Peguis and Jackhead reserves.
Philosophy
The philosophy of the First Nation Healing Centre is founded by the Board of Directors and staff, to always remember our common purpose to offer strength, support and encouragement to all we serve to effect change in a holistic perspective to develop self assurance and self sufficiency.
We all work together to help one another: this concept or repayment is the essence of the true helping relationship. We all at some time in our lives need help in dealing with many problems that arise, and we all have the capacity to help others in turn. In context of services to children and women we firmly believe that the responsibility for the care, protection and nurturing of family systems extends to all the native community.
Mission
The mission of the First Nation Healing Centre is to provide a community resource for women and children who are victims of violence. The centre will provide a safe environment, housing with services, and will address the women and children's physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual needs. To assist the male, supportive counselling to address the physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual needs will be provided on a non-residential and outreach basis.
This holistic approach in a native cultural setting, and home like atmosphere will include counselling and advocacy for women, men and children as well as liaison with other community efforts to reduce and prevent violence. Programming will be ongoing and developed and will include not only individual land group services but utilization of elders for direction, support and traditional healing. Through sound staff development practices, the centre will aim to increase the self esteem of individuals and assist them to heal and strengthen as community members.
Organization Goals and Structure
According to the directions of the Chief and Council an the community at large, the goals of the centre are as follows:
- To provide accommodations, support counselling and programs to women and children anywhere from overnight to 50 days, subject to client's needs and approved centre policies.
- To provide supportive counselling to the men on a no-resident outreach basis
- To assist individuals in the development of self assurance and self sufficiency
- To create asafe and supportive environment to assist families, and assist women and children to heal from the effects of violence
- To network with other organizations
In keeping with these goals, we respect the premise that support is a necessary condition for change. The strength to achieve a reputation and future for the centre has come from a great many people who have demonstrated their commitment and given of their time and energy.
Services
Under Project haven, the services envisioned included- a safe place for women and their children in times of crisis which included accommodations, food, emergency clothing and crisis counselling.
- In 1993 Project Haven became incorporated, now known as "The First Nation Healing Centre" also to offer structured programming for in-house clients, the Ma Mawi Wi Chi-Itata Family Violence program was adopted and implemented.
- In 1994 a 24 hour crisis line was offered as part of our service for women which extend to our service outside our catchment area. Today, the crisis line is not only utilized by women but also by males who require support services.
- In 1995 a women's non-residential support groups were formed. Today they are offered once a week to any women who is interested in attending.
- In 1996 with direction and support from Chief and Council the male counsellor position was created. This holistic approach to family healing was implemented to work with partners of in-house clients and men in the community. Today, the male counsellor co-facilitates community workshops, facilitates weekly support groups, delivers the anger management program for community members and in-house clients.
- Since 1996 education and awareness workshops are delivered for intervention and prevention purposes throughout the year. Also, outreach services offered include: walk-in counselling, legal advocacy, referrals, shelter to shelter transfer (in emergency situations only) and a clothing depot for community members.
- In 1998 to meet the most demand requests for service, the development of our own program "Healing Our Spirits" was established and implemented as part of the 7 week program for in-house clients and referrals. Our referral base extends out to all 63 First Nation communities in the province
- In 2000 an outreach worker position was created. This position provides follow up counselling, intakes and referrals, plans and facilitates community workshops and evening support groups, legal advocacy and conducts home visits if needed.
- As of today the services mentioned are still being provided by the centre.
