“KEEPING OUR SPIRITS STRONG

TOGETHER”

A HOLISTIC WELLNESS PROGRAM FOR

YOUNG ABORIGINAL GIRLS

Lisa Stafford and Tracey Paul Kirkpatrick

6th International Meeting on Indigenous Child

Health

Ottawa, Ontario March 20, 2015

Presenter Disclosure

• Lisa Stafford and Tracey Paul Kirkpatrick have no relevant financial

relationships with the manufacturer(s) of commercial services discussed in this CME activity

AND

• Lisa Stafford and Tracey Paul Kirkpatrick does not intend to discuss an unapproved/investigative use of a commercial product/device in my presentation

Presentation Outline

• Background and History (how it all began)

• Program Purpose , Vision and Guiding Values

• Program Content and Delivery

• Funding and Partnerships , Community Support

• Evaluation of the Program

• The unmeasurable Value of the Program- The Girls

• Questions

How it all Began

• A Dream

• A Desire to Give Back

• A Question

• A Vision and a Placemat

• A Community Need and a Solution

• Funding and Support

• A Story of Self Love

• Dedication , Creativity , Cooperation and Love

Background : A holistic wellness program for

Aboriginal girls, aged 9-12 has been developed

by Lisa Stafford BN RN and Tracey Paul.

Recognizing the complex health challenges

faced by Aboriginal women today , and

recognizing the need to promote health and

well being in the early years, this program

takes a holistic, preventative and inspiring

approach to wellness. Incorporating the

teachings of First Nation Culture and Tradition,

this mentorship program brings together

young girls in Kingsclear First Nation to

participate in a sharing, caring, and respectful

relationship with themselves and each other.

Vision and Purpose

• Guiding Vision: Aboriginal girls will reach their full potential .

Through living a healthy balanced life physically, emotionally,

mentally and spiritually, they will contribute positively to the

health and wellness of their communities, their families,

themselves and each other.

• Purpose : To provide guidance, knowledge, skills and support

for young girls to develop self worth, confidence, self love,

leadership, and personal wellness within their own cultural

setting .

GUIDING VALUES

THIS PROGRAM RECOGNIZES AND HONOURS THE “SEVEN SACRED TEACHINGS”

OF THE ABORIGINAL PEOPLES

THE SEVEN SACRED TEACHINGS

RESPECT HUMILITY HONESTY COURAGE WISDOM TRUTH LOVE

THIS PROGRAM RECOGNIZES AND HONOURS THE MEDICINE WHEEL TEACHINGS

AS A HOISTIC APPROACH TO WELLNESS

Program

Delivery

The

Program is

structured

and has a

purpose

Program Delivery

• Circle and Greetings

• Smudging

• “Oh Great Spirit” Prayer

• The Lessons are taught through Storytelling , role playing,

talking and sharing, demonstrations and guest speakers

• Nutrition Break

• Craft time – artwork used to align the lesson through

creativity

• Sharing Circle

• Binders for program contents

Program Content

• The Story of the Turtle and The Lady bug

• Self Love, Beauty comes from Within

• A Holistic Approach to Health

• Having an Attitude of Gratitude

• Giving to Others – the Healing Power of Generosity

• Literacy – Read, Grow and Learn

• Honouring our Femininity, Caring For Our Bodies

• Friendship – how to be a friend to ourselves and others

• Speaking Our truth and Using Our Voices

• A New Approach to Forgiveness

• Setting Goals, Reaching New Heights

Program Content

• Sticking Your Neck Out – Having Courage to Face Our

Fears

• Cultural Teachings

• Be your Own Hero

• Nutrition and Exercise

• Coping and Healing Through Grief

• Giving Back to Our Community

• Crystals – the Healing Power of Nature

• Respecting Mother Earth- Protecting the Environment

• Fun , Dancing , Music, Maliseet Trail Waterfall

• BOOT – stress management skills

“BOOT”

Building Your Own Tool Box

• Grounding

• Breathing

• Relaxation

• Visualization

• Meditation

• Being Present

Creating a Tool Box of Skills to help us through Life.

What do we see ? Determination

Empowerment

Belief

Cooperation

Understanding

Motivation

Pride

Curiosity

Self Awareness

Happiness

Laughter

Friendship

Love

Be your Own Hero I Am In My Own Power When ….

Literacy

Promotion

Read,

Grow

and

Learn

Self Love

You Are Amazing Craft

Every Girl is Amazing !

Funding /

Community

Support

Thank you to Kingsclear First Nation Child and Family Services , Chief and Council, Elders, Parents and Families

We Give Back :

Community Clean Up

Remembrance Day

Letters to Leadership

Visits and Crafts for Elders

Baking for those who have lost a loved one

Inviting siblings and friends

sharing the lessons

Evaluation

of the

Program

Look at

their

beautiful

smiling

faces !

Tyra and

Bailey’s

Story

The completion of the Program is Bittersweet

We invite our Alumni back to help

Questions ? Thank you