Holistic healing the main focus of Native Healing Centre

Page 3

Healing circles, Bible study groups, sweetgrass ceremonies and pastoral counselling, all available under one roof.

The Native Healing Centre in Edmonton, combines traditional healing with Christianity for urban people.

"We work with traditional healing and Christianity to promote healing among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people" said John Stellingworth, director and pastor of the centre.

Friday is Native arts and crafts day from 1 p.m. until 3:30 p.m, both men and woman who want to learn how to bead or make other crafts are welcome to attend. On Mondays there is a coffee break bible study, which is at one o'clock in the afternoon.

The centre provides free coffee, free telephone use on local calls, a daily newspaper for current information and counseling. A program for the youth called young people dancing, is pow wow dancing practice that supports Native youth in their healing journey by providing spiritual direction.

Health for Two, is a service for mother and child, this program provides milk coupons and vitamins, and a chance to network with other mothers and people interested in you and your baby. WECAN Food Co-op is for people that need help; to budget and save on groceries.

For $15 a month, you will receive high quality nutritious food items can include a ham steak, chicken, stewing beef, and fruit that the centre purchases at wholesale prices. A children's playroom is available while the parents take one of the classes at the centre. Wednesday at noon soup and bannock can be purchased for a loonie.

"This idea of a healing partnership between the Christian Reformed church and Aboriginal people first began in Winnipeg a centre was established, it was successful, and shortly after, Regina also opened a centre," said Stellingworth. The building is currently going through an expansion.

"We are only using 2000 square feet of this building we are planning to use the other 2,000 square feet," said Stellingworth.

The centre, which first opened in 1992, was first located at 107 Avenue and 114 Street, but recently moved to 123 Street and 118 Avenue.

"A grand opening will be scheduled for the fall," said Stellingworth. The centre is sponsored by the Christian Reformed Church and other organizations from the Aboriginal community.

"We really like what we do we hope to help people at this centre," said Marion Sinclair.

Sinclair, who is the coordinator of the Edmonton Native Healing Centre, is originally from the Slave Lake area. She is very busy these days, implementing new programs for the centre.