Rankin Inlet (Nov 10/04) - Those needing help to find their way in an unhealthy relationship have a new direction to turn to with the launch of the Kivalliq Outreach program.

The program is one of 11 offered by the Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre in Rankin Inlet.

The outreach team consists of director Kathi Thompson, manager Caroline Lafleure, counsellor Lizzie Tanuyak and outreach worker Angie Kubluitok.

Working with elders,

Another outreach worker has yet to be named.

Working together with elders, the program will offer workshops to develop personal skills in the area of healthy relationships. Other components include suicide prevention and postvention (support after suicide) programs for families, friends and the community, as well as one-on-one counselling.

Thompson said the three-year program received its funding from the Aboriginal Healing Foundation to deal with issues of unhealthy relationships and intergenerational impacts from residential school abuse.

Developing manual

The team members are in the process of moving into their own building and developing a program manual that can be used with any target group, including schools, adults, families, groups and one-on-one sessions.

"Angie and one other person to be selected will do training sessions for groups focused on healthy relationships, which involves anger management, developing self-awareness and an understanding of emotions and how they impact relationships," said Thompson.

"Basically, the relationship starts with ourselves, so communication skills are another part of the sessions."

Making a difference

Tanuyak said she expects the new program to be a great benefit to people in unhealthy relationships and those who come from a background of sexual abuse.

She said she's looking forward to being part of a team that really makes a difference in the community.

"It's nice to know we have at least three years to work with and we're not just going to get started helping people only to have the funding run out," said Tanuyak.

"I'm already hearing lots of positive comments in the community.

"Once I explain a bit about what we're doing, people are quick to say we need this program in our community."