On January 7, 1998, the federal government announced a new policy in response to the RCAP Final Report. It was called, Gathering Strength, Canada’s Aboriginal Action Plan, a strategy to begin a process of reconciliation and renewal with Aboriginal Peoples.

A cornerstone of Gathering Strength was the Canadian Government’s commitment of 350 million to support community based healing. So, in 1998 the Aboriginal Healing Foundation was created following discussions with Survivors of residential schools, the Assembly of First Nations, The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada, the Metis National Council and the Native Womens’ Association of Canada.

The AHF is an aboriginal run, not-for-profit Corporation that is independent of Governments and the representative aboriginal organizations. Their goals are stated in part, in the following mission statement:

“to encourage and support Aboriginal people in building and reinforcing sustainable healing processes that address the Legacy of Physical and Sexual Abuse in the Residential School System”.

In 2001 LAWS applied to the AHF for funding to help heal that legacy of physical and sexual abuse through out the Kaska homeland. This funding was approved and has continued to date. Each year proposals, work plans, budgets, cash flows and extensive reporting is required in order for funding to continue.

With the funds from the AHF we offer healing to the Kaska communities of Watson Lake, Ross River, Good Hope Lake, Fort Ware and Lower Post. We offer a blend of Western and Traditional Healing opportunities, many of which take place on the land at our camp on Frances Lake.

We are always interested in hearing from anyone with ideas on how we can best serve others.