"Miracles happen here every day. Everyday, I am honored by someone who shares with me what they've accomplished...what they've achieved. That's the gift of this place." Shauna Seneca, Co-Founder, Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society.
At Bent Arrow, there is acceptance of people and respect for the wisdom of others. Employees learn from the stories shared by people and families in the community.
"People tell you a story and they tell you for a reason. In that moment in time, that's the truth. Truth isn't about judgement, it just is." Shauna Seneca, Co-Founder, Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society.
Knowing what drives us, what energizes us, and what creates emotional energy in relationships - to feel our truth.
"Before Bent Arrow, there weren't any programs offering traditional teachings. It seemed like people were afraid to go there. We said, "We'll start a program based on the teachings of our ancestors, the teachings of the Medicine Wheel." Brad Seneca, Co-Founder, Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society
"All things are interrelated. Everything in the universe is part of a single whole. Everything is connected in some way to everything else. It is therefore possible to understand something only if we can understand how it is connected to everything else." The Sacred Tree
The acceptance of all who we are and the strength to share with others - know our truth.
Miyo wicehtowin or good relationship with oneself and others is at the heart of Bent Arrow's relationship based approach.
How we chose to live our lives and how these choices affect others - respect our truth.
Our ability to explore how our actions, thoughts, and feelings impact ourselves, other, and the environment - to see our truth.
“Never losing sight of who we are or where we are going.”
Bent Arrow is a non-profit organization that provides unique programs and services to Edmonton’s urban Aboriginal population. The organization was created in 1994 when Brad and Shauna Seneca identified the need for programming for Aboriginal children and families based in traditional Indigenous values and teachings. Today, Bent Arrow’s Mission remains to “build on the strengths of Aboriginal children, youth, and their families to enable them to develop spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally so they can walk proudly in both the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.” Programs and Services range from youth employment programs and comprehensive family services to supported referrals and soup and bannock lunches. Bent Arrow prides itself on building relationships of trust in the community by working closely with its partners and offering culturally based and face-to-face programming. Everyone involved with Bent Arrow – employees, partners, funders, supporters, Board members, community members, and friends – becomes part of the Bent Arrow family.
Have you heard of CanadaHelps.org? CanadaHelps make online fundraising affordable, easy, and secure. Through CanadaHelps.org, anyone can donate online to any registered Canadian charity. Bent Arrow is a registered charity! This means that you can donate to us quickly and easily. If you would like to know more about Bent Arrow before donating, please feel free to call us or drop by!
CanadaHelps assesses a small 3.9% transaction fee on donations which means that 96% of your donation goes directly to Bent Arrow. In addition, your official tax receipts can be sent by email immediately following the completion of your donation.
The New in Town Aboriginal Welcome Service (New in Town) is the first of its kind in Canada. The New in Town team welcomes and supports Aboriginal families and individuals who are new to Edmonton. Our service is coordinated, mobile, culturally driven, hands-on, and accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The team can point you in the right direction and refer you to appropriate services such as employment, Elder services, housing, culture, and education.
New in Town is a project by Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, in partnership with Boyle Street Community Services and Boyle Street Aboriginal Services.
Boyle Street Community Services’ mission is to “build and provide community support for people with multiple barriers to community inclusion.” Founded in 1971 with the support of the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities, Boyle Street started as a street-front agency called the “Co-op” in Edmonton’s inner city. Since then, through assertive outreach, client-centered case management, and hands-on problem solving, Boyle Street has helped many marginalized and high-risk people meet basic needs, develop skills, and engage with the community.
Visit the Boyle Street Community Services website to learn more.
