Introduction

How the Workshop Came to Be

The Strengths of Shelter Workers

What is Abuse?

Why Abuse is Happening in Inuit Society

Understanding the Cycle of Violence

Inuit People and Healing

How My Shelter Helps Healing

Counselling 101

The Purpose of Counselling

Building a Counselling Relationship

Confidentiality

Good Listening

Gathering Information

Setting Goals

Taking Action

Suicide Prevention

Children and Abuse

The Impact of Abuse on Children

What Children Need

Helping Children Express Their Feelings

Safety Plans for Children

Working in a Shelter

Creating Physical Safety

Emotional Self-Esteem

Building Self-Esteem

Caring for Yourself

Dealing with Difficult Residents

Dealing with Conflict at the Shelter

Shelter Procedures and Records

Building Links with the Community

References

Inuit People and Healing

If we follow our traditional knowledge we have a better chance of standing tall and having a better life. We can recapture the knowledge we once had. — Inuk Elder

Six guiding principles of Inuit Qaujimajanngit (Inuit knowledge) have been identified and form the basis of Inuit counselling practices. The principles also can guide us in effective joint actions to prevent abuse and promote healing.

1. Piliriqatigiinngniq — working together for the common good

This means knowing one’s role in a family, community or organization and making judgements and decisions that benefit everyone rather than a few.

2. Avatikmik Kamattiarniq — environmental wellness

Healthy links between mental, physical and spiritual sides of people, the family and the community.

3. Pijittsirarniq — service to others and leadership

These ideas contribute to the common good and are part of wisdom in Inuit culture.

4. Pilimmaksarniq — empowerment

Inuit can and should use all sources of information, gathering it and using it to right social and spiritual wrongs, and to work toward a balanced and strong Inuit society.

5. Qanuqtuurunnarniq — resourcefulness and adaptability

Inuit have a great capacity to be creative, flexible, and to find solutions.

6. Aajiiqatigiinngniq — cooperation and consensus

The Inuit healing process succeeds when clients, counsellors, leaders and community members work together and value each other’s ideas. Solutions reached by consensus are the strongest.