A Two-Eyed-Seeing model for the healing of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and complex neurodevelopmental disorders related to adversity, transforming challenges into strengths: refining the model, developing a training and demonstration site.

Children and youth in Elsipogtog First Nation continue to experience the lasting effects of colonial systems, including residential schools, cultural suppression, family disruption, and persistent inequities in health, education, and social services. These historical and ongoing harms have contributed to higher rates of complex neurodevelopmental conditions (C-NDD), including FASD, often associated with trauma and adversity.

For more than 20 years, the Eastern Door Centre (ED) has addressed these challenges through a community-led, culturally grounded model of healing. ED brings together Mi’kmaq knowledge systems and Western developmental science through the guiding principle of Two-Eyed Seeing (Etuaptmumk). Its programs, including the Nogemag Healing on the Land initiative, have led to meaningful improvements for children, youth, and families. Outcomes include reduced school suspensions and justice involvement, fewer mental health crises, and stronger youth well-being, cultural identity, and family empowerment. ED has also developed early screening, diagnostic, and intervention tools that strengthen supports at both school and home.

This project will build on and expand the Eastern Door model by:

  • Refining Two-Eyed Seeing–based tools and approaches
  • Piloting a para-professional family support model following diagnosis
  • Expanding the Nogemag Healing on the Land program
  • Developing training modules for the Eastern Door Demonstration and Training Centre to support implementation in other Indigenous communities

Award

Community Impact Grant

  • Kids Brain Health Network: $199,00

 

Partners

  • RHF
  • Elsipogtog Education Authority 
  • Indigenous & Academic Researchers – University of Alberta / Laurentian University / Chief Scientific Officer Riddell Hall
  • JHSNB

 

Team

Principal Lead: Dr. Lori Cox

Sub Lead: Melissa Tremblay

Co-Investigator: Nicole Le Blanc