First Nation Girl Empowerment (Synopsis)

Royal Canadian Mounted Police—'H' Division

Description: Inspired by British Columbia’s West Coast Empowerment Training program, First Nation Girl Empowerment training promotes self-esteem and self-care in pre-adolescent girls. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Mi’kmaq Family & Children's Services co-deliver the five-week workshop to Chiefs, health centres and schools in First Nation communities.

The workshop addresses the challenges faced by girls, with the aim of helping them before they become teens and before problems may develop. The content is culturally relevant to First Nation youth.
Objective: The training promotes self-esteem and self-care amongst pre-adolescent girls. The ultimate aim is to reduce the level of violence faced by Aboriginal women and girls.
Outcomes: Although there has been no formal evaluation, anecdotal evidence suggests that girls leave the program feeling more confident about several topics relating to self-esteem and self-care. The sessions allow them to build relationships with their peers and respect for themselves and others. By building their self-confidence, the girls may make healthier decisions when faced with peer pressure, in turn reducing their exposure to violence.
Resources: The initial cost to train program participants was minimal, at approximately $500. Craft supplies and items required to deliver the program cost approximately $100.
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Province: Nova Scotia
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Record Entry Date: 2015-03-01
Date modified: