Introduction

"FAMILY VIOLENCE IS NOT TRADITIONAL ..........
BUT A RESULT OF COLONIZATION ON FIRST NATION PEOPLE"

History

At^lohsa means "Friends" in the Onyota' a:ka language. The name was chosen to reflect the desire of At^lohsa to provide support, understanding, education, intervention and prevention to victims of family violence.

At^lohsa was founded in 1986, as an outgrowth of a Needs Assessment Survey, (1986), At^lohsa was incorporated in 1989.

The results of this survey provided a mandate for the development for family violence services which are designed to meet and promote the physical, mental, emotional, and spirituals health needs and healing paths of First Nation women, men and children in violent relationships.

A follow-up Needs Assessment Survey, (1991), revealed "that ninety <90%> percent of First Nation women had been physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually abused ", by their current or previous partners. Sixty-three <63%> percent indicated that presently they are still being abused.

Funding

The following agencies make up Atênlos fund sources;

The Ministry of Community and Social Services
The City of London
The Aboriginal Healing & Wellness Strategy