How the Strength & Spirit Campaign is Helping
One of the first significant components of the Strength and Spirit Campaign was the establishment of a Red Cross satellite office in Moose Cree First Nation. This satellite office opened at the end of 2012 and is the first of its kind in Ontario. This office will support the development and delivery of programs and services, including existing Red Cross initiatives (modified as necessary) or entirely new programs and services to meet local requirements. The development of these programs will reflect the specific needs of the local communities.
The satellite office in Moose Cree First Nation is being owned and driven by the Moose Cree community, helping to not only build capacity, but also ensure sustainability. The Red Cross branch in Timmins is providing mentoring for the Moose Cree First Nation satellite office to ensure consistency of Red Cross programs, policies and procedures.
Check out the video that was created to capture the excitement of the grand opening of the Red Cross satellite office in Moose Cree First Nation.
Initial Areas of Focus
Disaster Management
Canadian Red Cross has a strong mandate in emergency response – not just internationally, but right here in Canada – and we are able to quickly mobilize our expertise and a network of trained volunteers to respond to needs immediately. The Canadian Red Cross Disaster Services teams will train community members to build capacity for future emergencies through preparedness activities and volunteer training.
Injury Prevention/First Aid
Injuries are higher in the First Nations population compared to the provincial average. Injuries are also aggravated in rural and remote communities because of few health care facilities, hospitals or first aid being readily available. By training community members in First Aid and Injury Prevention, the Red Cross will help to make those communities safer for all residents.
RespectED Anti-violence and Abuse Education
The Canadian Red Cross RespectED anti-violence and abuse education program acknowledges the history, challenges and potential of First Nations communities as it explores issues relating to abuse, neglect and interpersonal violence. The RespectED program empowers participants to name and reclaim the past, and begin the transition from the cycle of violence to the circle of healing, a journey that begins with awareness and moves toward prevention.
