Mr. Speaker, we are accepting participants into a new pilot healing program in Yellowknife for men who use violence in their lives against their intimate partners. This voluntary program is key to helping communities be sustainable, vibrant and safe. It is based on this Assembly’s main goal of believing in people and building on the strengths of Northerners.

Through a naming ceremony with elders, the 24-week program was named Wek’eahkaa (“Wek ea caw”) A New Day, to reflect our healing philosophy. Each day brings with it a fresh chance to take control of our actions.

Wek’eahkaa is for men who have been violent in their intimate relationships. The program helps them to find their own strength, build on it to change their behaviour and take responsibility for their past actions.

Men will be supported as they develop their abilities and resources. Group sessions will focus on how to build respectful relationships, to understand how behaviour affects others and to consider the possibilities for healing and repairing the effects of their abuse.

Wek’eahkaa is based on very successful models running in other jurisdictions. We have worked with our NGO partners and listened to men throughout the North to custom design a program for NWT residents. Ultimately, our goal is to have a program that is accessible and relevant throughout the NWT. It is an investment in prevention, education and awareness, and it is built on partnerships.

Mr. Speaker, an Advisory Committee of NGO partners, the RCMP, cultural advisors and staff from Justice and Health and Social Services supports and guides this pilot program. They have been working with the contractor, the Healing Drum Society, to make sure the program is ready. Program staff has been trained and are ready to start. Referral information is being distributed for potential clients, service providers and the public. As word is spreading, calls have been coming in from men who feel they are ready to learn from this program.

We know that family violence is deliberate. We also know that this violence is based on a pattern of behaviours against the will and against the well-being of family members. This program will be a significant step towards positive change. This is a hopeful program. It invites men to consider what kind of person they want to be, how they want to treat their partners, their children and their communities. The participants want to change.

This new approach holds a great deal of promise, and I know I speak for all of us in expressing our thanks to the many people who have been involved in developing and delivering this program. Most importantly, I want to offer this Assembly’s support to the men who have chosen a better way. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.