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Paa Pii Wak Inc is an organization that provides various services to meet the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of Aboriginal males. Paa Pii Wak is the first of its kind halfway house in Canada that deals primarily with Aboriginal and non Aboriginal ex-gang members Some of our outreach linkage partners include: I.M.B.O, Urban Circle, Manitoba Justice, Salvation Army, Manitoba Courts, Various schools, University Of Manitoba, Red RiverCommunity College, And Provincial, Federal and City Government.
Together we both deal with inactive and active Aboriginal female and male gang members and ex-offenders or inmates wishing to live a more productive life. We have had great success with some of our past and present clients some of whom were hard core Solvent abusers who now are employed productive citizens in our community As well as becoming sober, they are now telling there stories to others to show them that change is possible. We have established the first sweat lodge in the center of the city for our inner city core area residents that can not afford to go to there reserve to gain spiritual enlightenment. Our teachings come from various Elders in various communities. Some are pipe carriers, drum keepers and lodge keepers.
We also have our own drum group singers who are inactive gang members and other ex- offenders that have been involved in the Justice System. We all hold a gift in some way. Some of the staff members are inactive gang members or have worked with the Judicial System and Corrections. Some have bachelor degrees in Native Studies and computer skills, but at the end of the day we pull together as a team. Our program has a more holistic healing approach. We have workshops for sweats, drum practices, smudging, cultural awareness, and aboriginal teachings.
The primary objective is to promote, protect and support the physical, emotional, spiritual and mental well-being of Aboriginal and non aboriginal males who desire a change in life style apart from gang and associated crime activity. Secondary. To deliver a similar program for Aboriginal males who are or are in the process of becoming “street people”.
Alterative Programming is suited for each clients needs. We do one on one counseling. As well our Elder works closely with all clients. The staff acts as support workers for the community. They hold ceremonies and aboriginal teachings and gang Awareness and prevention.
Our Mission
Our mission is to share our knowledge to the youth and parents about gangs and the effects from joining certain groups. Our clients also would like to participate in sharing their life histories about gangs and the effect they got from being involved in these certain groups. In return for our services we would appreciate certificates for each participant and tobacco for the drum. We also would like to share our knowledge about the Aboriginal culture what we have learned during our healing journey.
We would like to share this knowledge with Schools, Reserves, Churches, Recreational Facilities, Addictions, Correctional Institutions, Group Homes, any type of organization that feels they would benefit from this knowledge. To arrange for a workshop at your Facility please contact the information below.
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