For the past 8 years, Siksika Income Support has been offering programs to support those facing low-income, mental health, and addiction issues with the hope of encouraging education and employment. This summer, the Moving Forward program, named by the women of the program, included land-based learning field trips, art projects, and stories & knowledge from Siksika Knowledge keepers, and support from mental health and addiction partners.
On July 24, the men’s group completed a 12-week Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) program with EAL facilitator, Joice Rueda, where participants learned about themselves through interaction with the horse’s body language and energy. Through facilitated and objective based activities with the horses, the goal was for the participants to have gained self-awareness, confidence, communication skills, reduced stress, and fostered healing— ultimately building stronger bonds with others. On the final day, they celebrated with an ending celebration and received certificates of completion. They will now be moving into further programs based on employment or school. Congratulations to all!
Photos by Mase Scarlet and Lexxington ManyHeads
#SiksikaMedia#SiksikaStrong#Movingforward#EquineAssistedLearning
