IRS Resolution Health Support Program
Empowering Indigenous Women for Stronger Communities (EIWFSC) is pleased to announce the continuation and expansion of its Peer Facilitator Cultural Support Program under the Indian Residential School Resolution Health Support Project. This initiative is designed to enhance access to trauma-informed emotional, cultural, and mental health supports for First Nations and Inuit individuals affected by the generational trauma of Residential Schools and ongoing investigations at former Indian Residential School sites.
This early work has ensured that the training remains inclusive and grounded in principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). EIWFSC has secured funding to create additional training modules that focus on trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and inclusivity, specifically addressing the needs of all community members, including 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, survivors of the Sixties Scoop, and those impacted by sexual violence.
The project is structured around a series of key activities over the next two years. In Year 1, the initiative will develop new training modules to enhance the existing Peer Facilitator Training. The first cohort of Peer Facilitators will be trained using this new model with plans to pilot modules, gather participant feedback, and refine the content for broader implementation. In Year 2, the program will expand by training an additional cohort of facilitators and further integrating the hybrid training model, ensuring consistent and culturally relevant delivery of services across Newfoundland and Labrador.
In addition to the training components, the project will standardize Peer Facilitator Workshops to ensure high-quality and consistent programming across diverse regions. Strategic partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations will be strengthened, allowing these partners to host workshops and invest in staff training. This sustainable model not only broadens the program’s reach but also builds capacity within local Indigenous networks. Furthermore, the project emphasizes personal and professional development for Peer Facilitators by offering workshops designed to enhance leadership skills and overall well-being.
By improving access to a comprehensive network of trauma-informed supports—including those offered through the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Supports Program, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Health and Cultural Supports, and Indian Day Schools Health and Cultural Supports—EIWFSC is committed to ensuring that all Indigenous people, especially those not sufficiently served by existing services, receive the care they need.
Through these comprehensive and strategic initiatives, the Indian Residential School Resolution Health Support Project is poised to make significant strides in addressing generational trauma and enhancing mental health and cultural supports across Newfoundland and Labrador, helping to build resilient and empowered Indigenous communities for generations to come.