Native Counselling Services of Alberta

About Us

Our History

In 1970, Native Counselling Services of Alberta was established with the initial objective of providing courtworker assistance to Aboriginal people who had come in conflict with the law, recognizing that Aboriginal people often feel alienated by legal and court procedures, and that they need support in the judicial system. In response to the unique needs of Aboriginal people, NCSA's courtworker program was conceived.

It soon became clear that NCSA's Courtworker services were responding to only one component of the Aboriginal community, namely individuals in conflict with the law. NCSA realized that effecting real change in the Aboriginal community would require holistic programs - programs broad in vision and in scope and designed to promote the wellness of the Aboriginal individual, family, and community. To that end, NCSA services have been diversified to include family wellness and addictions programs; parole, probation, and prison liaison services; resource, media and research departments; as well as residential correctional and healing centres. Today, NCSA remains committed to responding to the changing needs of Aboriginal people by developing new programs and evaluating and enhancing existing programs.

From its origins as a single courtworker program, NCSA has grown into an agency focused on the healing and harmony of the entire Aboriginal community. Over the course of its 40-year history, NCSA has helped to shape social justice models and practices provincially, nationally and internationally. NCSA has now evolved into an organization that provides a great number of programs and services committed to community wellness: today the province-wide agency is divided into three regions and three residential facilities that employ over 150 staff and offer over 30 core programs.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to contribute to the holistic development and wellness of the Aboriginal individual, family and community.

By respecting differences, we aim to promote the fair and equitable treatment of Aboriginal people and advocate for the future development of our partners.

By developing and maintaining strong partnerships and honouring our relationships, we are committed to evolving pro-actively with our changing environment.

We will continue to strategically plan and deliver culturally sensitive programs and community education through accountable resource management.

Our Vision

Native Counselling Services of Alberta will continue to operate in an environment that honours our Elders' visions and the dreams of our children. We will continually provide culturally sensitive programs that recognize and respond appropriately to the changing needs of the Aboriginal individual, family and community.

We will provide a safe environment where people are treated with dignity, respect and have freedom of expression.

The strength of our organization comes from the dedication and commitment of our staff. Our staff have the skills, willingness, drive and desire to dedicate themselves to the well-being of Aboriginal people in a fair and equitable way.

Through our partnerships, our efforts aim to support community wellness and growth.

For the continuation of effective and efficient service delivery, we pursue business strategies and opportunities to secure the future of our organization.

Native Counselling Services of Alberta markets its resources locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

Our vision is to honour all our relationships.

Our Values

Clients
NCSA values the well being of all Aboriginal people. We are committed to promoting healthy families in order to build a stronger, healthier future for young people, while honouring our Elders, traditions and all Aboriginal people.

Staff
NCSA is committed to the well being of our employees. We value the importance of staff development, as well as working collectively to create a solid future.

Community
NCSA values the Aboriginal community. We are committed to creating and maintaining healthy relationships, in order to promote a strong and prosperous future for all Aboriginal people.

Agency
NCSA is committed to creating healthy partnerships, through respecting our partners' individual mandates and honouring our partnerships with clarity and professionalism.