21
April
2021
Prevention Network Virtual Gathering, March 10 and 11
On March 10 and 11 SFNFCI hosted a Virtual Gathering for the Prevention Network. 38 participants attended this event. COVID 19 protocols and restrictions limited our ability to gather in-person, but that did not mean our opportunity for professional development had to be restricted. Attendees were able to participate in this gathering from the comfort and safety of their home or office. Webex was the web-based meeting platform used on both days.
The theme for the gathering was Knowledge + Action = Strength & Resilience. By applying action to the skills and knowledge we possess we keep our circles strong, supportive, and able to rise above adversity. Local professionals made presentations on topics of interest designed to build strength and knowledge to support the network in their daily work. Also included were presentations on promising practices from Shelley Thomas-Prokop on Program Planning, Rachel Andal on Motivational Interviewing, Everet Sayer from Piapot First Nation talked about a drum group for youth, and Marlene Bugler presented on the prevention programming at Kanaweyimik Child and Family Services.
The guest speakers at the Virtual Gathering were:
Kendra Weenie - Surviving Domestic Violence
Kendra shared her journey of turning her life's challenges into fuel for success. Kendra a survivor of domestic violence shared her story with participants. Her recent memoir Surviving Domestic Violence was shortlisted for a Saskatchewan book award in 2020. Kendra continues to share her story in hopes of encouraging other women to heal and promotes self-care through youth and women’s workshops.
Clorice Delorme – Land Based Learning
Clorice Delorme, a Cree woman from Cowessess First Nation. As an Indigenous educator for 14 plus years she has a passion for supporting Indigenous students. Her goal is to educate all on the importance of balancing both Western teachings and Indigenous ways of Knowing.
Jason Bird – Leadership
Jason Bird, Lecturer, Indigenous Business & Public Administration Coordinator at First Nations University of Canada is a member of the Peepeekisis First Nations. His presentation was on using the Medicine Wheel and Tipi Teachings as a Leadership Paradigm. Leadership is rarely viewed from an Indigenous perspective; the presentation showed a paradigm of how to infuse aspects of Indigenous worldviews with developing leadership potential. It details the concepts of the medicine wheel and tipi teachings, mainly from the Cree worldview, and how to embrace Indigenous foundations for holistic leadership growth.
Paulete Poitras – Two Spirit Diversity
Paulete’s presentation on 2spirit identity was the presentation that was most liked by participants that provided feedback. Paulete shared her story of what it has been like to be 2spirit and go through stages of life and participate in ceremonies. Through all the daily struggles of life, the community as a whole need to educate themselves and seek understanding of the role of 2spirit. It’s vitally important to reteach community through education and wake up ancestral knowledge. The community of 2SLGBTQI+* is constantly evolving and growing. The entire community can build together a safe community where children do not have to face ridicule and judgement. 2Spirit society calls on the support of our families, friends, allies, and communities to help regain order to an historical teaching of unconditional acceptance.
If you or your agency are interested in any of the prevention training offered or have any questions about SFNFCI curriculum, please contact us:
David Bird, david@sfnfci.ca
Lacey Kaysaywaysemat, lacey@sfnfci.ca
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