Create Circles of Support and Change

• Introduction of project to Richmond County with successful launch
• Canso is moving towards Peer Circle Support model
• African Nova Scotian Steering Committee established with clear direction to provide more afro-centric support and services as well as more knowledge about gender-based violence.
• All communities appreciate the wellness and healing circles and learning from other cultures (over 90% satisfaction with events).
• Project communities continue to engage survivors (73% for 2021-22)
• More work needed to build the capacity of survivors to engage in leadership roles in community

Creating Community-Based Opportunities for Wellness and Healing 

• Wellness activities continue to be well received in all communities
• Women comment on how being with other women is increasing wellness, confidence, and healing
• Peer Circles are integrating peer support with wellness, crafts and other activities

Creating a Network of Culturally Responsive Service Providers/Partners

• Truth and Reconciliation event in Guysborough
• Presentation by Michael R. Deny
• Need to learn more about the history of ANS communities and impacts of systemic racism and how it impacts survivors of gender-based violence.
• Canso Celebration held in August 2022
• Planning for a Culturally Response to Trauma forum next year

Creating a Culture of Safety and Healthy Relationships

• Bystander training – great resource for the communities, but low participation
• Suicide Intervention Program well attended, but needed more community members
• Challenging to get commitment from participants who are already busy and challenged

Overall project coordination

• This year was one of change for the project team. Two new co-directors becoming oriented to their roles and this complex project. A Project Manager was assigned, and the Project Coordinator’s role was changed to be Indigenous Knowledge Transfer Coordinator.
• Weekly team meetings are providing added support to Community Facilitators and allow for better planning of collaborative activities. A focus continues on “support the supporters”
• Website will provide more public sharing of upcoming events, resources, monthly blog of highlights from each project to improve communication and knowledge sharing
• This project has provided unprecedented opportunities for learning and capacity building for the team members and their communities. Coady course, workshops, webinars, peer support training etc.