The Women’s Circle runs Tuesday and Thursday evenings  from 5:30-8:30PM. This program  is designed to assist  women in various teachings such as supporting the women to reconnect and strengthen their relationships with their children; build identity and self-esteem; connect with cultural teachings and strengthen their understanding of their own culture; strengthen their self-esteem and identity; and develop life skills.  Participants may also access advocacy and other one-to-one supports.

The Women’s Program is designed to act as both a healing/sharing network, as well as a parent support network for women whose families enter into programs at Wahbung Abinoonjiiag. The commitment this program makes to the women is to provide information, support, advocacy in areas affected by family violence, and in orientation to all programs available at Wahbung. The main avenue for developing these advocacy and support mechanisms among the women is by delivering traditional arts and crafts sessions which act as a framework to stimulate important healing, self-reflection, and empowerment work. Key activities in this program include:

 

Safety planning for the parent and child(ren) will be done individually and as a family.

Medicine Wheel teachings and the Seven Sacred teachings will be part of the healing circles.

Information on positive child rearing practices will be provided to the parents including ideas on handling acting out behaviours.

Workshops on issues such as family violence, child abuse, bullying, history of Aboriginal people, residential schools, child welfare issues will be provided through the healing circles.

Strengthening and building on existing life skills will be accomplished by involving participants with planning program meals, identifying program meal budgets, and through bringing in guest speakers on topics related to family financial planning (education, retirement, savings, health, etc.)

Relevant political and social Awareness & Empowerment workshops will be provided on how family violence affects children and how parents can help the child and family heal.

Communication skills will be discussed with the parent and child(ren) on how to express their feelings and needs.

Families will participate in sharing circles and traditional ceremonies which will be held throughout the program.

Activities such as art, crafts, and recreational play will be provided and encouraged.

Information on connecting with community resources will be provided to the families.