She is the ‘safe person’ for her nieces. Now she runs the Auntie Program for other Indigenous girls

Maxine Peigan, a registered mental health therapist from Pasqua First Nation in Saskatchewan, was inspired to create the Auntie Program after seeing the impact of social issues on her six nieces, who range in age from five to 16. She wanted to provide a safe and supportive space for them to talk about the challenges they were facing, and realized that other young Indigenous girls in smaller First Nations communities could benefit from a similar program.

The eight-week Auntie Program focuses on addressing social issues that impact young Indigenous girls, such as healthy relationships, boundaries, grief and loss, and substance abuse. Peigan wanted to create a program that went beyond traditional counseling and provided a more holistic approach to healing and empowerment.

Last month, Peigan brought the Auntie Program to Peepeekisis Cree Nation, where she worked with a group of girls aged 12 to 17 at Pesakastew School. The girls participated in talking circles, learned about their historical traditions, and engaged in activities like making medicine bags and art therapy. The program also included discussions about rites of passage, the girls’ moon time, and self-care.

One participant, Cherish Desomie-Bird, shared that she learned a lot from the program and felt more confident speaking in group settings. Another participant, Alani Desnomie, appreciated the focus on mental health and the realization that nobody is perfect. Both girls expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn about their cultural heritage and connect with their peers in a supportive environment.

Peigan also invited an elder to speak with the girls about praying and medicines, providing them with valuable insights into their traditional practices. She emphasized the importance of creating a safe space for the girls to talk about their experiences and struggles, and offered self-care baskets at the end of the program to help them continue their healing journey.

The feedback from the girls after the program was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a desire for the program to continue and for Peigan to stay connected with them. Peigan reassured the girls that they could always reach out to her for support, even after the program had ended.

Overall, the Auntie Program has been a powerful tool for empowering young Indigenous girls to navigate the social issues they face and connect with their cultural heritage. Peigan’s dedication to creating a safe and supportive space for these girls is truly making a difference in their lives.