| Purpose : |
Already struggling with the some of the highest violence and suicide/murder rates in the Yukon, a high profile assault case involving the Chief of the Liard First Nation attracted intense media attention and launched the Watson Lake Wellness initiative. The Committee began, in Phase 1, by developing a set of priorities, including substance abuse and domestic violence, developing community-wide responses and supporting the strong volunteer base, agency and individual commitment to healing the community. Early successes have been demonstrated in the regular production of a Community Safety newsletter, the engagement of new partners, the number and scope of community-building events organized and the greatly expanded awareness about violence, substance abuse and community safety and wellness issues.
Phase 2 will focus on the delivering of programs and activities related to addressing substance abuse, domestic violence and community safety. Specific activities include monthly production of community newsletter, periodic mail-outs, poster campaigns, workshops, school events, community functions and promotions with particular emphasis on youth involvement.
Key to these deliverables is the Project Coordinator who manages correspondence, data collection, report development, project accountability and compliance as well as the various volunteers from community level governments, First Nation and non-for-profit agencies participating in the Committee.
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