Community Initiatives

Transcription

1 DISCLAIMER Any legal information in this document is provided for educational purposes only. Every attempt has been made to ensure the information contained herein is valid as of March 31, 2005, but the law can change. For these reasons, this package does not replace the specialized information of lawyers and other experts. What are Community Initiatives? Community-based initiatives place survivors at the heart of their processes. As survivors and their communities recognize the serious and lasting effects of abuse, they are beginning to craft their own paths to healing. These alternative community-based processes complement those offered by the official system. Most grassroots community initiatives are conceived and undertaken independently of government. They usually receive some financial assistance from governments, churches, community and social service organizations, and others committed to helping. The majority of these initiatives share four key features: They are dedicated to healing the harmful effects of abuse; They are carried out in the survivors communities; They are tailored to the particular needs of individual communities; and Survivors play a central role in shaping them. There is a strong belief by many that non-governmental initiatives and programs intended to strengthen communities are a key response to redressing past harm and a central component of prevention. Page 1 of 8 May 01, 2005 Version 1

2 2-5.1 Aboriginal Residential School Survivors This section highlights different types of programs for residential school abuse to show their range and scope. Recognition and Apology Formal Apology from St. Andrew s United Church Congregation In 1996, the congregation of St. Andrew s United Church in Port Alberni, British Columbia, set up a church discussion group. The congregation wanted to learn more about church-run residential schools for Aboriginal students and about the experiences of children at these schools. Church members wanted to better understand because they were shocked by the crimes of Arthur Henry Plint who was convicted to eleven years in prison in 1995, for the sexual abuse he inflicted upon students at the Alberni Residential School during the 1950s and 1960s. In particular, they wondered what affect the Alberni Residential School, run by the United Church, had on their Aboriginal neighbours. The congregation held several monthly meetings and discussions, which included guest speakers from the United Church of Canada and former students of the Alberni Residential School. Members of the congregation decided they wanted to do something more than just listen and learn. In consultation with members of local First Nations communities, they had the idea of preparing and delivering a formal apology. An apology ceremony and dinner, presented by the congregation of St. Andrew s United Church was held in May 1997, for all the Nuu-Chah-Nulth people whose lives were affected by the Alberni Residential School. Alkali Lake Community-Based Inquiry and Healing Initiatives During the early 1970s, the Shuswap community of Alkali Lake, British Columbia, had a very high level of alcoholism. In 1972, two community members decided to become sober and encourage other community members to do so as well. Without any government money or help, the community designed an intervention and support program for those who wished to overcome alcoholism. This voluntary program was one step on the road to healing. Since community members had attended St. Joseph s Residential School near Williams Lake, survivors also began to deal with the abuse they had experienced there. The community decided to create its own inquiry commission into the experiences of some of its members. The inquiry was presided over by a community Elder, a band council member, and a survivor. In June 1997, they heard from nine former students of St. Joseph s Residential School. The inquiry gave these students the opportunity to tell their stories of abuse and to take part in a group counselling session. Page 2 of 8 May 01, 2005 Version 1

3 The Indian Residential School Survivors Society The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (formerly the Provincial Residential School Project) is a First Nations organization that reports to the First Nations Summit of British Columbia Chiefs. It was created in 1995 to support people in British Columbia s Aboriginal communities who wished to make complaints to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police of physical and sexual abuse in residential schools. The project gives survivors information about healing and about pursuing justice through criminal or civil courts. Staff, including trained crisis counsellors, are available to listen to those who wish to talk of their experiences. Survivors are also referred to providers of long-term care such as traditional Aboriginal healers, counsellors experienced in dealing with residential school survivors, and therapists. An important part of the project is the workshops offered to community workers to teach them about: the history of residential schools; the schools impact on people and families; preventing suicide; responding to sexual abuse; and the civil and criminal justice systems. Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops Healing Fund In 1998, to fulfill commitments it had made to the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) established the Council for Reconciliation, Solidarity and Communion. The CCCB also established a fund to be administered by the Council, meant to support community-oriented projects initiated by Aboriginal Peoples. The fund finances projects designed to increase awareness of Aboriginal issues or to provide training and professional development for those who are already involved in community healing processes. It also supports pastoral gatherings, healing circles, and other forums for listening and sharing whether within a community or cross-culturally. The fund is sustained through voluntary contributions from Catholic dioceses and other Catholic organizations. In January 1999, the council administering this fund composed of Aboriginal Catholic leaders and representatives from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops approved 20 projects for a total value of $109,350. Among the projects selected were: frontline worker training and professional development for the Laichwiltach Family Life Society in British Columbia; a community healing and wellness conference co-ordinated by Peetabeck Health Services of Fort Albany, Ontario; a winter healing initiative for Mohawks in Oka Page 3 of 8 May 01, 2005 Version 1

4 and Kanesatake, Quebec; and Cree language revitalization projects at the Marcelin/Kihiw School in Saskatchewan. Gathering Strength and the Aboriginal Healing Foundation On January 7, 1998, the Government of Canada responded to the report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples by announcing an action plan, called Gathering Strength. The Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development delivered an official Statement of Reconciliation on behalf of the Government. Included in this statement was an acknowledgement of the role of the Government of Canada in the development and administration of the residential school system; recognition of the harmful effects this system produced in communities; and an apology to those who suffered physical and sexual abuse: To those of you who suffered this tragedy at residential schools, we are deeply sorry. This was an important step in the process of healing and reconciliation at the individual and community level and was part of a long-term, broad based policy designed to increase the quality of life and self-sufficiency of Aboriginal peoples. To read an excerpt from the Statement of Reconciliation, visit The Department of Justice and the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (DIAND) also facilitated nine dialogues with the survivors, Aboriginal leaders and healers and churches representatives. These served to open the lines of communication between the parties and resulted in looking at the possible models fro resolving residential schools abuse claims. A cornerstone of Gathering Strength was the government s contribution of $350 million for community-based healing as a first step to deal with the legacy of physical and sexual abuse at residential schools. In April 1998, the Aboriginal Healing Foundation was created as an arm s-length, Aboriginal-run, not-for-profit corporation, to develop and carry out a plan to administer the healing fund. The Foundation developed four themes under which proposals for project funding can be submitted: Healing Restoring Balance Developing and Enhancing Aboriginal Capacities Honour and History Page 4 of 8 May 01, 2005 Version 1

5 In June 1999, the Foundation announced more than $2 million in funding for the first 35 projects it had selected under the healing and development themes. The types of projects supported by this first round of funding included: Education about the history and legacy of residential schools Curriculum development, training of community members Counselling and trauma work Traditional healing approaches Sex offender programs Support for direct therapeutic approaches For more information about the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, visit. Programs to Strengthen Aboriginal Languages and Culture The Aboriginal Languages Initiative has $20 million to fund community and home-based activities for the revitalizing, maintaining, and growing Aboriginal languages. The governments of Northwest Territories, the Yukon, and Nunavut have received $17 million to promote the Aboriginal languages in those areas. The Northern Native Broadcast Access Program gets $7.9 million in funding each year. The program funds the production and distribution of Aboriginal radio and television programs in 17 Aboriginal languages as well as English and French. These programs reach 400 northern communities and about 500,000 people. There is $8.1 million in funding each year to enable First Nations and Inuit to create and operate cultural/education centres that have a range of activities to help increase the knowledge and use of their traditional languages and traditional and contemporary cultural skills. The Aboriginal Head Start Program is a school-readiness and early-intervention program involving parents and communities to support the needs of children. It focuses on supporting Aboriginal languages and cultures. Aboriginal Justice Strategy [ This is a joint project between the Department of Justice, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, and the Solicitor General. It helps community-based Aboriginal justice programs address the social justice challenges of the overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system. If Aboriginal communities play a greater role in administrating justice, it will promote healing and reconciliation. Native Courtworker Program [ This program helps accused Aboriginal peoples to get fair, equitable, and culturally sensitive treatment. Court workers serve as a connection between the courts and the Aboriginal communities. Page 5 of 8 May 01, 2005 Version 1

6 The program is available to all Aboriginal persons. It works to inform the accused of how the criminal justice system works and to sensitize court personnel to Aboriginal languages, cultures, and traditions. It ensures peer, professional, and practical support for the accused especially in cases where the accused is a survivor of institutional child abuse. Aboriginal Community Corrections Initiative This project gives funding to a few Aboriginal communities to develop healing strategies that involve the offender and the victim, the families of both, and the community as a whole. To ensure that the needs of survivors of sexual abuse are addressed, this project has produced a number of reports, including: Responding to Sexual Abuse (1997); and At the Time of Disclosure (1998). These reports promote best practices in caring for survivors who have been both victims and perpetrators of child abuse. They also focus on community-based prevention and intervention. These documents are available from the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada website. [ The reports are listed by year. Family Violence Initiative This project aims to reduce family violence including child abuse. It stresses prevention based on better public education and awareness of the problem. The National Clearinghouse on Family Violence is a national resource centre for professionals and the public. For information, see the website of the National Clearinghouse on Family Violence. [ National Strategy on Community Safety and Crime Prevention Initiative [ This project contributes to the intervention and prevention of child abuse in institutional and domestic settings. The top four priorities are: children; youth; women s personal security; and Aboriginal communities. The project helps Aboriginal communities find community-driven ways to prevent crime and victimization. The project receives $32 million each year. Kwanlin Dun First Nations Healthy Families Program This program focuses on children up to six years of age who have witnessed violence in the home. It helps parents develop practical skills for parents, Page 6 of 8 May 01, 2005 Version 1

7 including primary infant care. It also gives access to information, referrals to existing programs and services, and strengthens the support network for those parents. Contact the Kwanlin Dun First Nations by telephone at (867) , fax at (867) , or by at Options for Dealing with Abuse, Section 1 - Facilitator s Background Notes p , Law Courts Education Society of BC, 2002, and Healing the Past: Addressing the Legacy of Physical and Sexual Abuse in Indian Residential Schools. [ Schools for the Deaf Since every community initiative is unique, it is not possible to present a generic description of their characteristics. Instead, this section explains two types of programs for children abused in schools for the Deaf. Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind Well-Being Program This program delivers mental health services and arranges for specialized therapeutic needs of the Deaf community through the Greater Vancouver Mental Health Service Society. It is funded by the Government of British Columbia. Jericho Hill Intervention Project In 1992 this was a team made up of a Deaf consultant, social workers, mental health workers, members of the police, and professional sign and voice interpreters. It sent letters to 300 former students to tell them of the availability of services provided through the JHIP. It also made sure that the current residents were safe. It also offered services to them. The Jericho Individual Compensation Program (JICP): A Unique Response to Institutional Sexual Abuse, September 2001 Jericho Individual Compensation Program: Terms of Reference (Victoria: of the Attorney General, 15 November 1996) Ministry Report of Special Counsel regarding Claims Arising out of Sexual Abuse at Jericho Hill School (Victoria: Minister of the Attorney General of British Columbia, 1995). (Special Counsel: T.R. Berger) Restoring Dignity: Responding to Child Abuse in Canadian Institutions Law Commission of Canada 2000 [ Follow up Report on Canadian Development since Restoring Dignity Law Commission of Canada [ Page 7 of 8 May 01, 2005 Version 1

8 DISCLAIMER Any legal information in this document is provided for educational purposes only. Every attempt has been made to ensure the information contained herein is valid as of March 31, 2005, but the law can change. For these reasons, this package does not replace the specialized information of lawyers and other experts. This document explains the law in a general way. As each person s case is different, the package is not intended to provide legal advice about a specific matter. Any information related to healing from institutional abuse provides educational information and is not intended to provide therapy. If you feel any anxiety or unpleasantness while reading the content of this package, please contact Indian Residential Schools Survivor s Society for assistance. To speak with a counsellor you can them at reception@irsss.ca or call (Toll Free). IRSSS offices are located at Phone: (604) Suite Park Royal South, Fax: (604) West Vancouver, BC, V7T 1A2 If the counsellors at the Indian Residential Schools Survivor Society do not meet your need for assistance, please visit the Resources section of the website for a list of varying resources for Survivors of all backgrounds and needs. This package is produced by the Law Courts Education Society of BC (LCES), a non-profit organization that provides educational programs and services about the justice system in British Columbia and Canada. LCES cannot be held liable for any special, incidental, indirect or consequential damages of any kind, arising from the use of this package or other documents which are referenced by or linked to the web site This document is offered free-of-charge as a supplement to the website, For additional copies, please contact the Law Courts Education Society of B.C Hornby Street Phone: (604) Vancouver, BC V6Z 2C5 Website: Page 8 of 8 May 01, 2005 Version 1