A new partnership between USask and Public Safety Canada will use traditional Cree approaches to help make communities safer.

USask researcher Dr. Holly Graham says the Cree Helping Cree program will provide students between the ages of 10 and 19 along with their families on the Little Pine and Poundmaker First Nations an opportunity to connect further with traditional identity by using traditional ways to manage conflict resolution.
She adds the program has been designed with a holistic approach. Graham says first they will look at the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of wellness, and then teaching culture as a strategy, returning to traditional teachings integrated within the school system. She says there will be an Elders wellness group, which will bring Elders in the community together to look at their own past and how the history of things like residential schools and the Sixties Scoop have impacted them and their identity. Graham hopes this will lead to a healing path to provide Elders who can support youth in the community.

Dr. Graham says one of the goals of the project is to support and build community with traditional circles. When issues arises, everyone involved in the student’s life will come together to share their feelings and perspectives on the event.
Graham has been awarded $2.5 million dollars over five years by Public Safety Canada to implement the new crime prevention program.

Graham says the program was first initiated by two Elders – Austin Tootoosis of the Poundmaker Cree Nation and Jacob Pete who recently passed away of the Little Pine First Nation.

Chief Duane Antoine of Poundmaker First Nation and Prof Holly Graham