Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy Children’s Mental Health Program ensures that the healing and wellness needs of the aboriginal community are addressed by implementing the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy at the local level in order to reduce family violence, promote healthy lifestyles, culture-based programming and healing.

Program Goal:
The goal of the Aboriginal Healing & Wellness Strategy Children’s Mental Health Program is to decrease youth involvement in gang activity, violence, drug and alcohol abuse and address mental health/addiction issues that are often a result of high incidences of family violence.

The Aboriginal Child Strategy Coordinator:
uses a “Culturally based approach” to strengthen the family unit, offers family support and assist children and youth ages 7 - 15; by promoting healthy lifestyles and healthy alternatives.

Programs and activities offered:

• Public education on drug & alcohol abuse, violence, and gang activity
• Therapeutic group such as children’s circles, healing circles, Kiizhaay Anishinabe and Kanawayhitowin
• Fitness and recreation activities
• Open traditional ceremonies
• Peer counselling to assist with coping strategies
• Safety Planning
• Community and cultural events
• Workshops
• Referrals to appropriate needs of family and children