The H.E.A.T. (Health Empowerment and Action Together) Program allows youth ages 16-19 to gain skills and knowledge to make positive life choices around their sexual health. The goal of the program is to grow healthy consent and sexual health skills among youth using a harm reduction approach.

The program was built by Blood Ties Four Directions Centre and modified to include Dawson-specific information by Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Support Centre, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Youth Centre, and Dawson Women’s Shelter.

Dawson’s next HEAT group starts October 19th and runs every Monday night from 5-7:30pm until November 23rd.

HEAT consists of six interactive two hour sessions where youth participate in interactive activities and skill-building games, in a safe and positive environment.

Topics include:

1. Consent

2. Identifying values, decision making, and communication

3. Prevention and Resources

4. Dealing pressures

HEAT will be hosted at the Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Support Centre Lounge, will begin with dinner, and will respect the safe six to reduce risk of covid transmission.

To recognize their time and energy, participants will be given a $30 honorarium for each session they complete and a bonus for attending all session.

Youth interested in registering or who have questions can contact Adonika at adonika.clark@trondek.ca or 993.7100 x182.