AWN believes wellness is a necessary resource for community development and an indicator of the success of community development. AWN is an active advocate for the emotional, mental, and physical needs of its members. Currently, AWN partners in a regionally delivered healing program for children and families who have been affected by intergenerational abuse. The goal of the program is to stop the cycle of family violence and support the growth of healthy children and healthy families. The Mamowichihitowin Program has a clinical team that delivers one on one, dyad and group therapy to its clients, based on a holistic model that takes into account a person’s entire well being. The program is also recognized by Alberta Justice as an alternative measures program for individuals who face criminal charges related to family violence. This allows offenders the opportunity to receive extensive rehabilitative therapy to change their behaviors and successfully remain in the community. Offenders must meet stringent conditions to participate in the program and are under continuous supervision.

Sustainable Housing:

The purpose of this housing program is twofold: first, to provide new affordable safe, housing for Aboriginal families and second, to provide significant repairs to existing housing on the Cooperatives and Enterprises. Families are financially responsible for both repairs and new housing units. Families sign chattel mortgages on new manufactured housing units and sign loan agreements for funds allocated to their homes. To become eligible, families must meeting income and residency requirements and complete an application. The application form is screened using an accommodation rating tool and assigned a score. Priority is assigned by score and families are placed on a wait list for available housing.

Funding from for this program was received from Canada/Alberta housing initiatives in the form of one time grant assistance to provide new housing units and eligible repairs to existing homes. The program is sustainable through the collection of funds from chattel mortgages and repair loans. There are currently fifty one new housing units on the Cooperatives and Enterprises and plans to repair thirty five units in 2008 and 2009.

Social Housing:

The purpose of this program is to provide rental accommodations for low-income families. AWN has held an Administrative Transfer Agreement with Alberta to manage four housing units in the Town of Grande Cache since 1999. To become eligible, families must meet requirements under the Social Housing Accommodation Regulation and complete an application. The application form is screened using an accommodation rating tool and assigned a score. Priority is assigned by score and families are placed on a wait list for available housing.

Aboriginal Day – celebration of our culture and identity

Canada Day – celebration of our citizenship

Stay in School Awards – students are rewarded for their educational efforts. Milestone awards are offered for completion of ECS, Grades 4, 8 and 9 and High School Graduation

Fun in the Sun – activities for school aged children during summer vacation

Baseball Day – youth tournament hosted by AWN staff

Awards Celebration – individuals are recognized for significant contributions to our community at a formal dinner

Turkey Run – turkeys are delivered to community homes in the Christmas season

Elders Christmas Feast – a Christmas dinner for community elders

Community Retreats – held every few years to gather information on needs of community