Kanawayhitowin

Goals & Objectives

N/A

Programme Summary

The OFIFC is the chair of an Aboriginal Expert Panel called Kanawayhitowin, which translates to 'Taking Care of each Other's Spirit'. This is a joint project between the Centre for Research on Violence Against Women and Children and the Ontario Women's Directorate. As a Provincial Initiative it focuses on reaching out to neighbours, friends and family members of women and their children who are experiencing abuse. The initiative educates on the warning signs of woman abuse and where to go to for help. Project components include an information kit, website, public service announcements, and other multi-media tools to be used in local communities as well as funding to support facilitator training and community workshops.

Focus on Success

"I have received positive feedback from the urban Aboriginal Community on this initiative. The women compliment you on the bookmarks and the pamphlets available that have the information contained to identify signs to help women at risk of abuse. Also women have commented on this information not being available to them in their time when they were going through this and needed protection. We can reinforce the message of how we break the silence to heal together."

Development

To begin the development of focused education and prevention work as it pertains to sexual violence against Aboriginal woman within Kanawayhitowin programme.