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KDFN showcased effectiveness of land-based healing

Kwanlin Dün First Nation hosted a luncheon on September 22nd for political leaders and media at the Jackson Lake Healing Centre to showcase the effectiveness of land-based healing programs. The First Nation is interested in securing a commitment to long-term, sustainable funding for the centre.

“We know land-based healing programs work for all Yukoners,” said Ray Sydney, acting Chief for Kwanlin Dün First Nation. “However, they require stable funding so we can plan long-term programs with appropriate follow-up. Funding one camp at a time creates too much uncertainty for staff, participants and other services that want to get clients into our programs.”

Currently, a three-week men’s program is running at the centre. Lunch guests will be served wild foods successfully hunted by the participants the week before and will get a chance to talk to the men about their experiences in the program and to see the knives, hunting bags and other products they have made during the camp.

“Creating useful cultural products and being part of a successful hunt gives the men an incredible sense of accomplishment and self-worth,” said Jeanie Dendys, KDFN’s Director of Justice. “The program also involves a lot of hard emotional work as participants explore so many different issues in counselling sessions and group circles. They are challenged to be honest with themselves about their past experiences and about their hopes.”

Jackson Lake healing camps are open to all Yukoners dealing with substance abuse issues, the impacts of violence or other traumas, or the impacts of residential school. The camps integrate traditional and contemporary approaches to healing and the participants are involved in a range of land-based, cultural, ceremonial and contemporary activities.

Last year, KDFN ran a five-week pilot program for a women’s camp. The evaluation report for the pilot noted that many participants indicated improvements in their health and abstention from drugs and alcohol. Two months after the program, one woman reported being turned down by the Wellness Court as she was doing “too well.”

Read KDFN's full News Release
Read Yukon News recent article on Jackson Lake, Helping land-based healing

For more information:
Jeanie Dendys, Director of Justice
Kwanlin Dün First Nation
Phone: (867) 633-7851
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)