About Us

Red Bear Healing Home is a non-profit society registered with the Province of Nova Scotia (June 23, 2011) that assists people who are experiencing social and/or economic disadvantages in Nova Scotia. Information, referrals, resources and services are provided to help people develop the capacity to sustain themselves and realize their unique potential.

The Seven Sacred Teachings/Laws; The Teachings of the Four Directions; and, The Twelve Teachings of the Sacred Tree guide our work to build respect for all life. Red Bear Healing Home is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and managed by an Executive Director. Over 90% of our work is completed by volunteer labour.

Mission
Building Respect for all Life

Principles
Red Bear Healing Home upholds the following principles:

The Seven Sacred Teachings: Love ♦ Respect ♦ Wisdom ♦ Honesty ♦ Courage ♦ Humility ♦ Truth. Interpretations are available on-line by searching for The Seven Sacred Teachings.
The Teachings of the Four Directions - see Rupert Ross, Returning to the Teachings
The Teachings of the Sacred Tree
Universal Declaration of the Rights of Mother Earth

Services
We assist people build their capacity by providing public education, inspiration, referrals, support, resources,friendly listening, peer support and free voice mail for people who are economically and socially disadvantaged in Nova Scotia.

History

The concept for Red Bear Healing Home Society began in Vancouver in 1999 out of a concern for the number and condition of people living on the street in the Downtown Eastside. As the situation of people who are homeless and/or socially and/or economically disadvantaged, marginalized and excluded; continues to persist concerned community members gathered to realize its mandate in Nova Scotia. After considerable thought and consulting with Elders, the society was registered as a non-profit in Nova Scotia as Red Bear Healing Home Society in 2011.

Red Bear is the Anishnabe (Ojibway) spiritual name of Riel Conrod Smith who died at birth as life support was denied. Red Bear Healing Home Society is named after Riel in dedicated to and in honour of his short life on Turtle Island and all those who died because of inequality and injustice. Red is the colour for healing and the bear brings medicines, protection and healing to the people.

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Understanding the Seven Sacred Teachings

with Dave Courchene,

The Turtle Lodge, Manitoba