Alberta native friendship centres help men, boys end violence against females – CP

Source: The Canadian Press
Nov 5, 2015 20:19

EDMONTON _ Native friendship centres in Alberta are launching a program to help men and boys understand what they can do to end violence against aboriginal women and girls.

The program called “I Am a Kind Man” aims to raise awareness and to teach men to understand their responsibilities.

Merle White of the Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association says the program is an important step toward the goal of a future with no violence against aboriginal females.

White says the project will be based on native traditional teachings such as the Seven Sacred Rights.

The program is to be offered at Friendship Centres in Edmonton, Calgary, Cold Lake, Grande Prairie, Hinton, Red Deer, Pincher Creek, Peace River and Slave Lake.

Earlier this year the RCMP said 70 per cent of aboriginal females killed in Canada _ in cases solved by police _ died at the hands of other aboriginals.

White said the program will help aboriginal communities heal.

“We are committed to working in friendship to end violence against aboriginal women and girls in our communities,” he said Thursday in a release.

White said the program recognizes the challenges indigenous men face as a result of colonization and historical trauma and encourages them to reconnect with their traditional roles within families and communities.

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