Discovery House is charting a new direction that focuses on how we support the diversity and uniqueness of each family’s situation, culture, and goals towards healing. We are forging partnerships with and learning from culturally diverse groups and agencies to enable us to support the families that work with us to heal in culturally safe and appropriate ways.
In 2025, Discovery House was recognized as a leader by the Government of Alberta with an Inspiration Award in the Indigenous Leadership category.
Thank you to the Calgary Public Library for developing this special land acknowledgment for children. And a special thanks to Ella and Nya for doing our land acknowledgment in the video.
Elder Pam Heavy Head
One of our most meaningful relationships has been with Elder Pam Heavy Head. Pam is an Indigenous Elder who has been a leader on several exciting new projects and programs including the Indigenous adaptation of the Mom’s Empowerment and Kid’s Club program, in partnership with the Universities of Manitoba and Calgary.
Personal Guidance with an Elder
Elder Pam has been hosting regular one-on-one meetings with any mother or staff member looking for her guidance on traditional Indigenous pathways of healing.
Indigenous Mom’s Empowerment and Kid’s Club
In 2024, Discovery House launched an Indigenous adaptation of the international, evidence-based intervention program. The program is for mothers and their children who have been exposed to domestic violence. The ten-week adapted program was developed with insights and consultation from local Elders, and the University of Manitoba to integrate Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
Tobacco Ceremonies
Twice a year, we have the privilege of co-hosting a Tobacco Ceremony at the Inglewood Community Garden for families and staff of Discovery House, with a seed ceremony in the spring and a harvest ceremony in the fall. Elder Clarence Wolfleg has led our tobacco ceremonies for the past several years. These ceremonies are also supported by Piitoayis (Eagle Lodge) Family School, as they participate actively in the seed ceremony and the harvest ceremony. The tobacco is then processed and is given to families to use as sacred medicines.
Cultural Healing Space
This room officially opened on Summer Solstice 2023 with a traditional naming ceremony, led by Elder Martin Heavy Head. The space was given the Blackfoot name “Kookonooni” and the Cree name “Kiikinow”. The name means “Our House”. This room was created to be a transformative space at the very heart of our shelter for families to come together and heal.
After spending time with Pam and learning more about my culture, the medicines, and traditions used by my people, I feel stronger. I can be a better mom to my two daughters.
Why is it so important for Discovery House to become a trusted partner of Indigenous Communities?
Our mission at Discovery House is to end the traumatic cycle of domestic violence. One vital way to achieve this goal is by partnering with Indigenous communities and embracing their traditions, values, and culture in our programming to strengthen our work. Discovery House cannot even begin to achieve its mission unless we work closely with Indigenous communities. The scars of intergenerational trauma and the residential school system are still strongly felt within Indigenous communities and families. Discovery House wants to better support Indigenous communities and families on their journeys to heal from generations of trauma and strengthen their family relationships.
