Supporting Wellbeing Training in Thebatcha

We were thrilled to partner with the NWT Métis Nation to bring the first-ever Supporting Wellbeing training to the South Slave region! This free, five-day, training took place at the Northern Life Museum & Cultural Centre in Thebatcha and focused on building skills to support people in land-based programs.

The training was led by our amazing Facilitators-in-Training, Kristielyn Jones and Cole Hardisty, with mentorship from Project Director Rachel Cluderay. Emotional support was provided throughout the week by Maxine Lacorne. Our ten participants, all staff from the NWT Métis Nation and Uncle Gabe’s Friendship Centre, brought with them curiosity, energy, and a deep love of the land.

Over five days, the group explored all six Supporting Wellbeing training modules. Highlights included roleplaying scenarios, on-the-land activities with Elders, leading circles, and deep discussions on lateral violence.

Two unforgettable afternoons on the Land

One afternoon was spent making dry meat with Kenny: everyone got hands-on experience cutting moose meat, skinning, learning which knives to use, and preparing different cuts. Laughter echoed as Kenny shared hunting stories and participants swapped funny mishaps. Many reflected the next day that this experience helped to ground them and allow them to reconnect and focus more fully on the material.

The second on the land adventure was setting up a wall tent with Richard and Barb. We split into two teams, and everyone got to practice pitching a wall tent—an important skill for staying safe during land-based programs. Afterward, we feasted on cheese bannock and the dry meat we’d prepared earlier, while Richard regaled us with stories that made the afternoon feel magical.

Training take-aways

Participants completed the training feeling inspired.  They shared how they plan to use their new skills:

• “Future planning, very important for on-the-land time.”
• “I will use every part I learned.”
• “I’ll refer to the manual as a checklist when planning and delivering on-the-land programs.”
• “This training will help me in my work as a youth worker, applying it throughout the seasons on the land.”
• “I will use this training to better support participants and recognize when they are in crisis.”

A huge thank you to our participants and everyone who made this training possible—Mahsi cho!

Want to bring Supporting Wellbeing training to your community? Click here to request a training!