Youth in Transition
Funding provided by: Department of Justice – Youth Justice
Program funding ends March 31, 2019
The Prince George Urban Aboriginal Justice Society provide's two programming streams for Indigenous youth in conflict with the law.
Service components for both streams will be culturally relevant and will include addiction education, awareness and relapse prevention based on traditional teachings, and referral support for reintegration to family and community to promote healthy living and teaching.
“Stream A” The Seven Feathers
Indigenous Youth are provided one to one support to address lifestyle issues through a unique group called the “The Seven Feathers” which is based on the Seven Traditional Teachings:
Respect - Love - Honesty - Truth - Wisdom - Courage - Humility
“Stream B” Awaken the Medicine Man - Facilitated by Elder Marcel Gagnon
PGUAJS has formed a collaborative partnership with the Cariboo Action Training Society to address the needs of young Indigenous males on probation. Once a week, PGUAJS delivers a culturally appropriate addiction support program with teachings that have included: learning how to tan a moose hide; ceremonial drumming; how to build and care for a Sweat Lodge; Sweat Lodge ceremony; Smudge ceremony; learning to fish; and the youth have learned the importance of ceremony with Elders, with the emphasis on respect.
Elder Marcel Gagnon attends Case Management meetings with Camp Trapping and youth caregivers to encourage traditional supports upon release from the camp.
The PGUAJS Indigenous Justice Worker(s) also supports this program to provide the youth who return to Prince George with a continuum of care, upon release, or to connect them with a Justice Worker in their communities.
