Overview of Counselling & Residential Services
Community Counselling and Residential Services provide holistic programs based on Ǫgwehǫ:weh teachings that integrate the mind, body and spirit. The teachings combined with mainstream counselling techniques provide a basis for helping one to accept responsibility for their total being. Abusive behaviours and their generational sources are explored in a caring, non-judgmental way. The commitment to this holistic healing process may be long term, based on the needs of the individual.
All programs can respectfully achieve this through:
- Honouring Every Individual’s Values & Beliefs
- Individual, Group & Crisis Counselling
- Advocacy & Referral Support
- Psychodramatic Bodywork
- Safe Emotional Release Work
- Art & Play Therapy Techniques
- Traditional Teachings
- Massage
- Meditation & Relaxation Techniques
- Case Conferences
- Education & Awareness
- Energy Therapy Techniques
The Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address
The Thanksgiving Address is the basis for understanding the Haudenosaunee (people of the Longhouse/Iroquois) world view. Everything is included in the Address from all things natural to the unseen forces forever present. With everything mentioned, an explanation of its purpose is given and acknowledged.
From the Thanksgiving Address one can learn the basis of Haudenosaunee cultural thought. It is the belief of our people that our most basic instruction received from the Creator about how to live on this earth is that we always continue to be thankful. We must always acknowledge and respect all of creation. The Creator has made all things as he has made us therefore everything possesses a part of the Creator and deserves our respect and gratitude.
The Thanksgiving Address is recited to open and close all gatherings, meetings and ceremonies. Its purpose is to bring the people together with one mind to tend to the matter which is the purpose for the gathering. The speaker, with his words, expresses greetings, thankfulness and love to all the people of the world, to Creation and to the Creator on behalf of all those assembled.
Mission Statement
To provide through a non-profit organization for the stabilization, maintenance, revitalization & enhancement of the family structure in a culturally sensitive manner.
Objectives
- To provide for the stabilization requirements of families in distress.
- To provide for the maintenance of family units and individuals.
- To provide for revitalization of restored family units and individuals.
- To provide for the enhancement of restored family units and families.
Ganǫhkwásra’ – Love Among Us
The implementation of all services is based on the philosophy behind the name of the organization. “Ganǫhkwásra’” is a phrase in the Cayuga language meaning “Love Among Us.” It was the name chosen for the Family Violence Program at Six Nations early in planning to express our purpose and philosophy in creating a community-based program for victims of family violence. It conveys an attitude of community support and hope for families wrought with violence and it implies a sense of community responsibility for peace among all our members. Ganǫhkwásra’ is the goal we seek for every member of our community, and it is the methodology through which we work to attain that goal.
“Love among us” is more than a feeling or emotion, it implies active participation in living together in peace and harmony. The Great Law has given us teachings of peace, strength and the good mind which is ultimately attained through Ganǫhkwásra’, love among the people. Working to continually develop and maintain a good mind takes conscious efforts on a daily basis. This means always looking for the positive in every situation. It means that when life puts barriers in your path, you must use the strength of your mind to make that situation positive. It must be understood that love, as it is spoken of here, is not the intimate feelings experienced between a man and a woman nor is it the feelings of caring we have for our loved ones. Love, in this sense, is a great love for the people. It is believing in our connectedness with each other and with all of creation. It is understanding that whatever we do will affect somebody or something even if its years down the road. This is why we must always be thinking of the seven generations to come. This is how far love must extend.
It can be difficult to keep a good mind as life will test us. Strength comes with the practice of a good mind and the peace that comes from the love among the people. The power is there when we practice our ability to work together at all levels, everyday.