Harmony Song

Medicine Horse Therapy program

Harmony Song is now offering the Medicine Horse Therapy program. This program is funded for our agency by the United Church of Canada. If you are an adult survivor of childhood sexual abuse and/or living with the legacy of residential school abuse, you are eligible to take part in this program. Medicine Horse Therapy offers a program that uses specially trained horses to build confidence, recognize and establish healthy boundaries, and communicate these boundaries to others. See the website for further information.Ten spaces are available for committed participants. Participants will be chosen through an interview process. The program will be held Wednesdays, 10 am to 2 pm, September 8th to October 13th. The deadline to apply is August 31, 2010. Please call Tamara's House 683-8667 to set up an interview.

Traditional Story Telling

We are thrilled to announce our newest program. Join us Monday evenings starting September 13th. Elder Dr. Danny Musqua will be joining us to ignite this fascinating opportunity. Danny will be sharing his knowledge of Ojibwa stories and traditional teachings. We invite you to this incredible opportunity to receive stories, traditions, knowledge and teachings as you walk your healing journey. As we do expect Story Telling to be popular, we will be collaborating with Cumfi to offer this program. Cumfi is located at 315 Ave M south. Traditional Story Telling will be Monday evenings from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at Cumfi in the meeting room located in the basement. For further information please contact Kelly in the Drop In at Tamara's House.

Women's Circle Ceremony

will be Thursday evenings in the Drop In Center at Tamara's House. Doors will be open at 6:30 pm and the ceremony will begin at 7pm. An elder will guide a smudge and prayer. Each woman will have the opportunity to speak from her heart if she chooses. Bus tickets and child care funds are available. If you require a childcare fund you must show your children's health care card, this is for auditing purposes.

There are limited funds; therefore if you would like to secure your spot please contact Kelly at 683-8667 at least one day in advance.

Sweat Lodge Ceremony

We are excited to announce we will now be offering monthly Sweat Lodge ceremonies. This opportunity is extended to all service users, staff, volunteers and board members.

The Sweat Lodge is a place of prayer and holistic healing. It is a place where the body, mind and spirit are cleansed, renewed and made stronger. A Sweat lodge is made by bending willow saplings to form the frame. Blankets and tarps are used as covers. These are left up on one side to form the door. If you want to participate please note that one must be alcohol and substance free for four days prior. Women must wear a long skirt or dress. Sweat Lodge ceremonies are for healing purposes; if you would like to ask the elder for particular prayers it will be your responsibility to make the offering.

We will be taking a van to the Sweat and plan to leave Tamara's House at 10:00 am sharp Friday September 17th. Please notify Kelly from Drop In should you require a ride or need further information.

Other Programs

You are welcome to join us in the fall for many new and exciting things happening in the house. We will be offering a Moccasin Making class and a star blanket making class to following.

Muffins for Granny

Tamara's House has purchased performance rights for Muffins for Granny for a period of two years, and would be very more than willing to co-sponsor the film with any organization interested. This beautifully-made documentary explores the experiences of seven elders through a combination of interviews, archival photographs, art, music, and nature photography, and provides an excellent overview of the schools and their effects. If anyone would like to view the film contact Judith or Drop In staff.

Harmony Song Project Background

Harmony Song Project was funded by the Aboriginal Healing Foundation from 2002 until March 31, 2010. Its purpose was to provide a safe place for Aboriginal women survivors to deal with the impact of residential school abuse, and to provide assistance in establishing her own culture as a foundation of healing.

The Harmony Song team addresses the impact of the residential school legacy through education, presentations and programming. We are also combating the effects of the residential schools through arts and crafts. Being creative with the hands gives the mind permission to also be creative in one's own healing journey. Laughter is assured when doing crafts, and is acknowledged as one of our healing fires.

The Harmony Song team acknowledges all those who walked ahead of us: ancestor, survivor, advisory committee member, volunteer or staff. We send our heartfelt thank you to you all.