There’s a new Indigenous wellness hub in Pembroke. Joanne Haskin, the Executive Director of the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation says they provide culturally safe, trauma informed Indigenous teachings, culture and healing practices which have been developed by and delivered by Indigenous Peoples from the Algonquin territory. Haskin says Mashkiwizii Manido is the only program of its kind in Renfrew County that provides a holistic approach to care.
Haskin says the programming they offer includes men’s circles, women’s circles, youth circles, one on one counselling, group counselling, acudetox, moon ceremony, water walk, change of season, red road to recovery, fire and water, land based learning, feasting, culture camps, elder support, peer support, drumming/singing and craftmanship.
Mashkiwizii Manido started working with the Robbie Dean Family Counselling Centre in 2020. Haskin says late in 2021 the United Way East Ontario provided funding for a community needs analysis. The analysis found that 97 per cent of the 144 urban-Indigenous participants reported a serious lack of culturally sensitive, Indigenous-based supports or services in Renfrew County. Haskin says in 2022 they partnered with the Circle of Turtle Lodge to open an Indigenous Hub in the Pembroke Mall and in October of 2022 became a registered entity as Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation.
A grand-opening celebration was held on January 10th, 2023, at the new Indigenous wellness hub located at 84 Isabella Street in Pembroke. Haskin says it’s exciting to be in the new space to provide more services to the community. Haskin is looking forward to serving the urban-Indigenous population while educating and bridging the relationship with non-Indigenous people throughout the region.
You can contact the Indigenous Wellness Hub by calling 613-281-7969 or sending an email to info@MashkiwiziiManidoFoundation.com. More information is also available online or by following the Mashkiwizii Manido Foundation Facebook page.
(written by: Rudy Kadlec)
