Our Circle is Strong Elders/Cultural Program

Aims to improve patients' holistic wellness, resilience, and sense of positive identity through connection to Indigenous culture, spirituality, and Elders and Knowledge Keepers; goal is to address the intergenerational effects of residential schools and colonialism. Services include one-to-one counselling sessions with Indigenous Elders, group counselling, access to health care providers, access to Indigenous ceremonies (sweat lodge, burning ceremony, seasonal feasts), therapeutic listening, advocacy, and referrals to health and social services including detox centres, alcohol and drug counselling, and housing support. Cultural activities include seasonal ceremonies, making traditional medicine bundles, smudging and brushing, making tobacco ties, jewelry making, cedar weaving projects, holiday crafts, drum making, prayer and traditional songs, teachings of the traditional medicine wheel, group outings to seasonal and sweat lodge ceremonies, and eating traditional foods.