Supporting Wellbeing hosted our 2025 Facilitator Gathering from November 4 to 6 in Sǫ̀mba K’è.  This was a great opportunity for the recently trained facilitators to come together for the first time since the Facilitator Training.  It was also a chance for Facilitators-in-Training, as well as those who have yet to facilitate a training, to learn from the successes and challenges of the more experienced facilitators.

The first day of our gathering was at the Ski Club, where we had a productive morning sharing experiences and working together to come up with solutions to common facilitation challenges.  In the afternoon, Lila Erasmus of Naturally Dene took participants on a grounding nature walk and guided us through making spruce salve. 

The second and third days took place at the Baker Centre, where we were joined by peers from other northern organizations to take part in ICA Facilitator Training with Bill Staples.  Some of the participants had taken the training before and were looking forward to a refresher, while for others this was their first formal facilitator training.  Everyone left with new tools and a greater confidence in facilitating.  We explored the ORID facilitation method in depth and learned an engaging and practical approach to building group consensus.  The room was full of laughter and a whole lot of learning.

Throughout the three-day gathering, participants were invited to create affirmation cards. We’re looking forward to continuing this practice at Supporting Wellbeing trainings, and to sharing some of the completed cards in the future!

We were nourished by catering from Frybread Kings, Barrenground Coffee, and Copperhouse.  No notes!

Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to making this event a success!  We are so lucky to have an amazing group of facilitators and a wider community of people all working towards a shared goal of promoting and growing opportunities for wellness across the North.

Mahsi cho!!!