Culture and Language Revitalization
Transforming Parenting: Indigenous Family Wellness at Haven Family Connections

The injustices of the past have left a dark legacy of intergenerational trauma and loss of identity and opportunity for Indigenous families.
Many face systemic barriers, poverty, and disadvantage, resulting in a disproportionate number of child apprehensions. Western-focused parenting courses often fail to provide the confidence and inspiration needed by at-risk parents, many of whom grew up in foster care without receiving their cultural teachings.
Haven Family Connections in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan has developed the Indigenous Family Wellness program, a Traditional Parenting initiative that began as a pilot in 2022. Responding to participants’ needs, the program has since expanded from traditional parenting and life skills classes to include men’s traditional teaching programs, drum and ribbon skirt making workshops, youth nights, healing circles, and a feast and round dance. Participants are empowered to break the cycle of negative patterns and embrace healthy parenting with cultural guidance and Elder-supported learning.
The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) has supported Indigenous Family Connections since 2023, allowing the program to expand and reach more families each year. IRF funding covers the costs of Knowledge Keeper and Guest Speaker honorariums, supplies like journals, binders, and handouts, door prizes, certificates, tobacco and cloth, fabric for the Sewing Group, transportation for participants, food for the program, and supplies for ceremonies, including smudge kits, frames, and hides for drums.
Traditional teachings are transformative for at-risk Indigenous families, starting them on a healing journey and supporting their success. Many of the families coming through the program are facing the involvement of Child Protection Services, but are eager to parent in a new way. They show up, learn the parenting knowledge of their ancestors, and continue to receive support after training. The transformation for at-risk families begins here, breaking cycles of shame, trauma, and loss.
Learn more about Haven Family Connections
Diocese of Saskatoon – Granting Committee
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