The Crisis Centre of BC has been offering a mindfulness-based life skills for resiliency program for the past 12 years within the traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples – sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) nations (Vancouver, Burnaby and the North Shore).
Flexible and adaptive, this program has been offered in a range of alternative settings including Indigenous-focused programs and programs for youth with learning, behavioural and mental health challenges. Typically delivered in 16 half-hour sessions over eight weeks, this trauma-informed social and emotional learning program improves emotional regulation, self-awareness, and the ability to manage stress and life challenges. It is currently delivered to youth aged 12 to 19+, both in-person and online. The feedback has been very positive: over 80 percent of youth participants indicate they used the tools and skills in their lives to help in the following ways: emotional regulation, increasing their focus, managing loss and stress, and helping them get to sleep.
We acknowledge and deeply respect the traditional and cultural foundations of modern, secular mindfulness practices. The goal of this initiative is to blend Indigenous “ways of knowing” and culture with the existing program, to enhance life promotion, cultural safety and overall relatability for urban Indigenous youth.
Timeline
- Spring/Summer 2020 – hire and onboard project coordinator; connect with community stakeholders and identify advisors
- Fall 2020 – research and develop cultural adaptation of curriculum; identify pilot sites; develop evaluation plan, engage advisors/Elders
- Late fall 2020 to Spring 2021 – pilot in 2 to 4 sites, inc. one online delivery
- Spring 2021 – final report; future program delivery plan
We are seeking Indigenous community agencies, youth and Elders who have a background & interest in Indigenous health and well-being to act in an advisory role for this innovative project. In this role, you could provide guidance on hiring/onboarding a coordinator, curriculum design, pilot implementation, evaluation, and sustainability. This is a flexible role and one can participate through occasional meetings and/or on your own schedule. We are able to offer financial reimbursement for your time and/or training trades.
We are also hiring a Project Coordinator.
For information please email lripley [at] crisiscentre.bc.ca