Red Cross educates First Nations youth and adults about abuse and bullying

In 1998 the Red Cross conducted an assessment of the Blood Tribe in Alberta and discovered these community members experienced more violence and abuse than members of other Canadian communities.

Following these findings, Canadian Red Cross outreach coordinator Pam Heavy Head began working with Tribal Elders and community leaders to establish safety courses and educational programs for young mothers, youth and the broader community. The Red Cross violence and abuse prevention program has been delivered to hundreds of participants. One program, Walking the Prevention Circle, focuses on exploring issues relating to abuse, neglect and interpersonal violence. Last year Pam facilitated 14 sessions to over 280 adults.

“Violence and abuse prevention information and messaging is incoporated into all programming offered in the Blood Tribe,” says Shirley Diaz, Red Cross community outreach manager in Lethbridge, Alberta. “Based on feedback from community partners, the Red Cross has been helpful in reducing incidents of violence in the community. We are a part of the community strategy and the message is being heard and reflected in the actions of people in the community.”

Posted December 21, 2009