“Every Victim Matters – Our Ability to respond”(SUMMARY)

-Reconciliation (spiritual) ceremony in each of the five communities, acknowledging that many negative occurrences have taken place in all of our communities; not limited to, but including the negative residue of residential schools, assimilation, discrimination, racism, accidents, substance abuse and suicide.

-Brunch on Tuesday in Kincolith ( to include Greenville) and on Thursday in New Aiyansh ( to include Nass Camp and Gitwinksilhkw) with a public address to validate the release of pain and hurt associated with trauma and the collective endeavour to proceed with renewed optimism. One declaration signed by all communities.

Facilitation of Informal discussion tables on:

-Mickey Mouse Monopoly DVD (racism/sexism)

-In Search Of Healing Justice DVD-Restorative Justice

-The Awakening of Elizabeth Shaw and Gary Fjellgaards’ song

-Family Violence –Nisga’a Valley Health Authority, Lorna Azak

-Children who witness abuse – Shelley Haines-Marelli, Ksan House

-Victims Services-program overview, special projects

-Nisga’a Lisims Government Y.O.Y.- “Canoeprogram” -Paul Mercer

-Nisga’a Cultural Responses to traumatic incidents-Julia Adams

-Boarding Home Program-Reg Percival

-“It starts with me”- Daphne Robinson

-Community Development-Harry Nyce Jr.

Residential School Syndrome presentation-Dr. Charles Brasfield—for frontline workers, Northern Health Authority (hospital) Staff, Nisga’a Valley Health Authority Staff, School District # 92 Employees, Regional Victim Services Staff, Kermode Friendship Society, Ksan House Society staff, and interested community members.

Two forums, gives additional opportunity for participants; and demonstrates program commitment to the two communities that are further away. Promoting all inclusive ”Response-Ability”.

Scheduled mtg. with Tina Jules, to discuss participation of Nisga’a Language instructors and students to develop bookmarks and mini posters; depicting everyday examples of healthy behaviours (fishing, berry picking etc.) with Nisga’a/English power statements; to distribute these as Wellness Kits. (Actively involving students.)There was no response from Principals regarding this, although it was mentioned at 2 principals’ meetings.

The major expectation being; to initiate discussion/awareness on our ability to respond to issues and concerns in a way that benefits the community.

Collective events will assist in movement toward identifying and letting go of the pain and hurt associated with all victimization in order to re-build the community approach to such encounters.

It is expected that the project will--Raise Awareness of:

  • various types of victimization
  • programs and services available
  • peer support
  • root and intergenerational issues
  • benefits of collective problem solving

--Include many target groups

--Foster networking among:

  • community workers
  • inter community workers
  • community members

--Promote reconciliation in the broadest sense

--Provide reinforcement of Healthy Living via

  • dissemination of materials
  • endorsement by public officials
  • reconnecting with language/culture

--Invoke discussion to identify other needs

The targets group is all inclusive covering age, culture, gender, aboriginal and non-aboriginal issues.