First Nation Girl Empowerment (Details)

Name of province/ territory:

Nova Scotia

City/ Region:

Nova Scotia

Description of Initiative:

The First Nation Girl Empowerment program stems from the West Coast Empowerment Training program in British Columbia and promotes self-esteem and self-care in pre-adolescent girls. The workshop addresses the challenges girls face by helping them before they become teens and before problems may develop. The content has a First Nation focus and is designed to encourage cultural competence and provide information pertinent to working with First Nation youth. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Mi’kmaq Family & Children's Services co-deliver the training in First Nation communities over a five-week period.

Initiative Key Objectives:

The training promotes self-esteem and self-care in pre-adolescent girls.

Section Responsible for Implementation:

Community, Aboriginal & Diversity Policing Services

Key Contact:

Deborah Maloney
Deborah.jean.maloney@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Groups/ Agencies/ Key Partners Involved:

  • community groups
  • other government departments/agencies
  • See "Additional Comments or Suggestions"

Level of Involvement (consultative - information sharing) and/or cooperative - direct involvement):

N/A

Amount of Time Initiative has been in Place:

This initiative has been in place since 2012.

Reason for Undertaking the Initiative:

This initiative was undertaken to address the historic levels of abuse experienced by Aboriginal girls and women.

Resources Required to Implement this Initiative:

The initial cost to train program participants was minimal, at approximately $500. Craft supplies and items must be purchased to deliver the program; however, these supplies can be purchased at a minimal cost of approximately $100.

Method of Implementation:

This program was delivered by direct outreach either to Chiefs in First Nation communities and/or to the health centres or schools.

Key Outcomes of the Initiative:

The girls left the program feeling more confident about several topics relating to self-esteem and self-care. The sessions allowed 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, which could reduce their exposure to violence.

Availability of a Communication Strategy:

No

Key Messages used to Publicize the Initiative:

N/A

Forms of Evaluation by which the Initiative will be Assessed:

  • internal

Evaluation Completed or Community Feedback Received:

No

Summary of the Outcomes:

N/A

Summary of the Performance Measure Data Collected:

N/A

Economics of Policing Pillars:

Further Details:

N/A

Additional Comments or Suggestions:

Additional details on "Groups, Agencies and Key Partners Involved":
Mi’kmaq Family and Children's Services have direct involvement in the program. Their Community Programmer co-delivers the program with the RCMP.

Additional comments:
By building self-esteem, this initiative aims to reduce the level of violence faced by Aboriginal women and girls.

Record Entry Date:

2015-03-01

Date modified: