The Saskatchewan Government will invest more than $277,000 in the Pinehouse Wellness Centre Restorative Program over a three-year period.
The Restorative Program was developed in 2018 through a collaborative effort between the government, the Pinehouse Wellness Centre, and the Northern Lights School Division.
The program provides individualized support to over 20 students annually, creating opportunities for local youth to participate in activities outside of school hours, including barbecues, cooking and baking courses, fishing trips, and youth conferences.
“Restorative programs like this build a strong foundation for our youth and strong Saskatchewan families and communities. This is an investment in our future. Thank you to the Pinehouse Wellness Centre and Northern Lights School Division for their partnership on this program to ensure the well-being of youth in our communities,” said Athabasca MLA Jim Lemaigre.
The restorative program is intended for children and youth between the ages of four and 18. The program’s main goals are preventing and resolving conflict, repairing relationships, and connecting students to the services and supports they need to be successful in school and reduce the likelihood of future involvement with the criminal justice system. Pinehouse Wellness Centre Director Hannah Natomagan said that the Pinehouse Wellness Centre aims to improve the well-being of youth and strengthen families. “The Pinehouse Wellness Centre works very hard alongside community agencies to serve Pinehouse Lake residents. We aim to improve the well-being of youth, adults, and elders and to strengthen families. The youth voice is amplified by the strategic planning that has occurred, which is working to empower the youth by strengthening their skills,” she said.
The Pinehouse Wellness Centre integrates traditional teachings into the program in partnership with the annual Lance Memorial Culture Camp, which is a week-long program attended by approximately 60 youth each year. The camp is available to youth in Pinehouse Lake and surrounding communities.