Programs
About our Programs
Every Program operated by the society has its own goals and objectives but the following philosophy guides each individual program or service goal developed.
- All people are equal and will be treated with respect and dignity.
- All people have the capacity to change.
- Working towards achieving balance in our lives is a life time goal.
- Healing comes in a variety of shapes and forms.
- Our actions speak much louder that our words.
All programs at the Society have been created and developed specifically for Aboriginal people. This reflects the Society's concern regarding other programs that simply hire an Aboriginal person and their program Aboriginal. That approach does not work. Our programs include the spiritual, emotional, physical and mental aspects of a person's life, their family and their community. We have found that our programs and services provide Aboriginal people with "real" opportunity to learn and grow and make positive choices for themselves and their families.
While providing an Aboriginal program we also meet the requirements of financial accountability, standards established by governments and others, and work effectively with our organizations and systems. The growth and development of our organization reflects the needs of the people we serve. People who are involved with Bent Arrow become part of the Bent Arrow family and community. It is our intention to provide people with a safe supportive community from where they can make changes and new life choices and be successful in mainstream society. It has never been our intention to isolate people from the rest of the world but to provide a safe supportive environment where they can learn, grow and develop the personal and other skills necessary to be successful in both the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community.
The Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society will also work co-operatively and effectively with other Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal agencies in the community to provide appropriate supports and connections to appropriate resources. Connections with the Aboriginal community in Edmonton and on the reserves and settlements will be necessary in connecting young people with their relatives and help in the development of strong Aboriginal Youth.