New program ‘Honouring Our Spirit’ launched
for Native Communities in Alberta

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada) and Native Counselling Services of Alberta today launched Honouring Our Spirit, a new victim services program that informs First Nations and Métis individuals and communities on how they can reach out for support after losing a loved one to impaired driving. 

Honouring Our Spirit is a 23 minute original movie that reveals the grief and healing process in various First Nations communities across Western Canada. From the mountains of the Tsuu T’ina Nation to an art studio in Saddle Lake, Alberta, the film explores healthy grieving and forging a future where all Spirits soar.  

The DVD is accompanied by instructive materials that delve into unresolved trauma and grief in the Aboriginal community.  There is an informative Facilitators Guide and pamphlets, including one that provides resource and contact information to impaired driving victims searching for support.

“We are very excited to be launching this program on National Day of Healing and Reconciliation,” says Louise Knox, MADD Canada’s Western Office Chapter Services Manager. “When a person is killed or injured in an impaired driving crash it impacts family and friends and a whole community. Honouring Our Spirit is a program to help the community cope with the tragic loss and to move forward with a better understanding of what has happened.”

Mrs. Knox adds, “MADD Canada is very thankful for the guidance and support of the Native Counselling Services of Alberta, who ensured the significant aspects of the healing processes of Alberta’s First Nation and Métis peoples was captured within the program.”  Mrs. Knox also states, “Traffic related fatalities represent the number on cause of death from unintentional injuries in First Nations people.  In 2001, motor vehicle fatality rates for Aboriginal people were three times higher than rates for the non-Aboriginal population.”

Donita Large, Communications Officer, National Day of Healing & Reconciliation Campaign, says, “We are excited to have the Honouring our Spirit video as one of the film features during our Edmonton film event on May 26th at the Royal Alberta Museum. The film’s focus on reconciling with a loss after a traumatic event will showcase for viewers how healing and healthy grieving can occur.”

Funding for Honouring Our Spirit was provided by the Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security – Victim Services Branch.  The film and accompanying materials can be viewed in full on the MADD Canada website:  www.madd.ca.

For more information, visit www.madd.ca, or call:

Louise Knox, MADD Canada Western Office
780-288-5372

Donita Large, Native Counselling Services of Alberta
780-447-9342

Also see:

Honouring Our Spirit