Shannon's Spirit Project
“Like the Thunderbird of old, I shall rise out of the sea, I shall grab the instruments of the white man's successes, his education, his skills and with these new tools I shall build my Race into the proudest segment of your society…So shall we shatter the barriers of isolation. So shall the next one hundred years be the greatest and proudest in the proud history of our Tribes and Nations”
(Teswahso Chief Dan George, 1967)
The young woman in the project name was a youth in care in Vancouver who had a one to one worker through Watari in 1989-90. Shannon was spirited and funny and brazen; she was also struggling with self destructive behaviours and her cultural identity.
While struggling with her demons, Shannon was violently murdered before ever realizing her strength.
In early 2003, a researcher with the Oregon Research Institute contacted the Vancouver School Board and Watari in hopes of finding partners for a five year research proposal to honor Shannon's spirit. The project sought to measure the success of combining literacy strengthening and family strengthening with Aboriginal families to minimize a young person's risk taking behaviours.
In August, 2004, the project was funded through the National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C. We are honoured to be a part of this project, are excited at new collaborations and committed to honouring Shannon's memory.
Presently, this project is providing support to youth and families.
Project Coordinator: Michelle Fortin 604-254-6995
Clinical Supervisor: Lee Nicholas 604-742-6666