Fostering Resilience, Connection, and Healing
Our mission is to provide an inclusive and culturally sensitive Wellness and Healing Program that fosters resilience, strengthens connections, and facilitates healing journeys. We are committed to empowering Indigenous youth by offering accessible and culturally driven support that honors their identities and values.
Teachings
We are guided by the seven sacred teachings of humility, courage/bravery, honesty, wisdom, truth, respect, and love. Through these foundational principles, we create a nurturing environment where healing and growth flourish. Together, we walk the path of healing and cultural resurgence, empowering our youth to reclaim their identities and thrive in harmony with themselves, their communities, and the natural world.
Cultural Respect and Inclusivity
We honour and respect the diverse cultures, traditions, and languages of Indigenous communities. Our approach is inclusive and culturally sensitive, recognizing the importance of cultural identity throughout the healing journey.
Trauma-Informed Care
Recognizing the historical trauma experienced by Indigenous communities, we approach our work with a trauma-informed lens. Our programs create safe spaces that acknowledge and validate the impact of historical and intergenerational trauma, while also addressing systemic racism that perpetuates inequality and discrimination. By confronting these intersecting issues, we aim to support healing and equality in a more comprehensive and inclusive manner.
Community Collaboration
We actively collaborate with Indigenous communities, leaders, and community members. We recognize the wisdom and knowledge within the community, fostering partnerships to co-create effective and sustainable solutions.
Culturally Relevant Interventions
We prioritize interventions that are culturally relevant and aligned with Indigenous worldviews. This includes traditional healing practices, ceremonies, and culturally grounded therapeutic approaches such as the medicine wheel.
Empowerment and Strength-Based Approaches
First Wellness believes in the inherent strengths of Indigenous youth. Our programs emphasize empowerment, resilience, and the cultivation of strengths as essential components of the healing journey. We recognize the necessary role of family and kinship networks in supporting and nurturing these strengths. We incorporate these meaningful relationships into our approach to ensure a community centred path to healing and success for the youth.
Holistic Well-Being
We embrace a holistic approach to the wellness journey, addressing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. We strive to help create balance and harmony in all aspects of a young person's life.