Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Mar 22/02) - When looking for parenting advice, who better to turn to than experienced parents?

With that in mind, staff at the Skookum Jim Friendship Centre in Whitehorse created the Traditional Parenting Program in 1992.

Joe Migwans discusses a traditional parenting program held in Whitehorse, where he lives. Interest in similar programs for the Deh Cho is growing, according to regional justice co-ordinator Pat Waugh. - Derek Neary/NNSL photo

It's a modified version of the Nobody's Perfect parenting program. They added a distinct cultural element and made elders the core of the project, according to Joe Migwans, assistant co-ordinator of the Skookum Jim Friendship Centre.

Elders who maintain healthy lifestyles lead circles and instruct traditional workshops, he explained to delegates at a Deh Cho justice workshop last Thursday.

"What elders have to offer is experience ... patience, love, caring, kindness and understanding," he said. "Some elders are really strict and they'll let you know right away if you step out of line ... that's one of the first things the elders talk about, being respectful and teaching that respect."

A survey of Whitehorse residents identified alcohol and drug abuse and escalating violence as familial problems that needed to be addressed, drawing on expertise in fetal alcohol syndrome, violent relationships and alcohol and drug abuse.

However, it's the elders who are the heart of the program, teaching through traditional methods such as circles, storytelling and demonstrations.

They discuss spiritual beliefs, values, morality, customs and traditional laws.

"Having a program that is culturally relevant addresses the spirit," said Migwans, who added that non-aboriginals are welcome to participate.

Workshops for women, whether it be hide tanning, sewing, craft making or dry-fish making, met with success. The Friendship Centre provided transportation and offering meals.

Drawing men into the program, on the other hand, proved challenging, Migwans acknowledged. Eventually, fathers turned up for workshops focusing on snowshoe making, knife making and carving. Elders also spend time with the youth, some of whom have been hurt so badly they don't have anything to left believe in, he said. What the elders strongly recommend is prayer, he said.

The program isn't a cure-all, Migwans admitted, but it's made a difference.

"(Dependency) is still around today, but people are working towards ending that cycle," he said.

Pat Waugh, regional justice co-ordinator for the Deh Cho, said there is a great deal of interest in traditional parenting within the region.

She said she's planning to hold a training workshop in the near future to get things started.

The program was just one aspect of a regional justice conference held last week. Other topics included how to establish a community justice committee, the Youth Criminal Justice Act, community policing and crime prevention information and funding.