Workshops

ANCIENT TRADITIONAL NATIVE GAMES

This is a physically active workshop for children on all ages from young to children not so young; you’re never too old to play, it helps our Elders bring out their “inner child”. During this extremely unique workshop, participants will experience modern day sports played in its original form. You will learn how the Native Ancestors utilized Traditional games to stay healthy in mind, body and spirit. Find out how the “Old Ones” used the games to settle disputes, exercise spiritual growth and of course, have fun.

Our Aboriginal people are in a state of crisis; the suicide rate in Native communities is higher than any other race. Suicide is an extremely complicated issue and although there isn’t a particular time or place that it hits, I have found that in many of the communities I have worked in, suicide and depression appear to surface more during the holiday season.

GOALS AND DREAMS – IT’S A REALITY

In this motivational workshop participants will become aware of thinking patterns that block one’s self from believing that their goals and dreams can come true. Participants will become aware of their own “blockades” and how they can use this awareness to accomplish their goals and dreams. Participants will be encouraged to share their obstacles and steps they took to overcome these challenges.

SWEAT LODGE CEREMONY – THE HEALING PROCESS

This is not a workshop; it is an actual healing ceremony. Prior to incorporating this Ceremony, participants are given extensive information regarding the Ceremony, once they have a clear understanding of the Ceremony, then are given a choice to participate. Participants, (men and women) will go through four rounds in the Sacred Sweat Lodge. Each individual will be given an opportunity to offer prayers in their own way.

COPING WITH CRISIS

Participants will be made aware of the human beings natural healing process; they will gain knowledge of how sleep and dreams affect their health and well-being. The process will help them identify issues they need to deal with. They will learn the process people go through when faced with crisis and develop a holistic system to help recover from their crises.

JOYS OF PARENTING – SINGLE OR MARRIED

Participants will share stresses they experience as parents; they will learn that they are not alone and will be offered tools to help them relieve some of the pressures they feel as a parent. The instructor will share his experiences as a single dad, and how being a single dad gave him strength and determination to succeed in life. Children are a gift from the Creator regardless if you are married, single, male or female.

DEALING WITH ANGER – THE ANGER CYCLE

Participants will become aware of the cycle of anger. They will learn to recognize the signs, symptoms and reactions they poses. Once they have time to reflect on their behaviors, they will share these examples; the instructor will offer various techniques to help participants deal with their anger in a healthier fashion.

CULTURAL AWARENESS – RECLAIMING OUR IDENTITY

Due to the broad range of Cultural variances, whenever possible, the instructor requests local Elders to participate; he wants to make it clear that he is not intending to impose his Culture onto others. The focus is to share his Cultural teachings and help participants understand why it is important to become reconnected with their own Cultural Identity. Local Elders will be encouraged to share their traditions with the participants. The instructor will reinforce that becoming reconnected with one’s Cultural Identity is imperative to our healing journey.

ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

Participants will become aware of the devastating effect alcohol and drugs have played in the destruction of our Native People. As individuals, they will learn the various effects it has on the human body and the connection it has with Suicide among our Native People.

SUICIDE PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION

Because Suicide is so prevalent in our Native communities I have dedicated a complete page to address this issue; please refer to “Suicide Prevention Program”.

SUICIDE PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION

Because Suicide is so prevalent in our Native communities I have dedicated a complete page to address this issue; please refer to “Suicide Prevention Program”.

STRESS MANAGEMENT

Participants will become aware of thinking and behavior patterns they carry that create and add to their stress. The instructor will utilize a holistic approach to help participants manage their stress in a healthier fashion.

COMMUNICATION

Participants will be challenged to identify their communication practices; they will learn various communication methods. The instructor will share with them that being a “good listener” is an imperative part of good communication skills.

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

Youth often believe they have no say in what is going on in their life or in their community; this workshop helps Youth to become motivated in helping themselves and their peers. Sometimes our Youth don’t have the support they need to accomplish their goals or dreams. The instructor will facilitate Youth needs, offer guidance and support and connect Youth to the appropriate resources.

ABORIGINAL INCARCERATION VS. RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL SYNDROME

The instructor has delivered self help programs in 12 correctional facilities for 16 years; he has found that the treatment is very similar to what our Elders had experienced in the years of the Residential Schools. There is a definite connection to the effects the Residential Schools has played resulting in so many of our Native people being incarcerated. This workshop helps participants recognize these issues and helps individuals to move forward in their healing journey.

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USING CULTURE TO PROTECT OUR YOUTH

Many of our Youth today have become disconnected from their Cultural Identity; they have distractions such as Alcohol and drugs, gang influence, technology, etc. This highly motivational workshop utilizes Ancient Traditional Native Games, Ceremonies and presentations to help participants become reconnected with their Cultural Identity.

DREAM CYCLES

This workshop identifies various dream cycles people have. The instructor will offer presentations to help participants understand the importance of completing these cycles in order to maintain a healthy mind, body and spirit.

MEDICINE WHEEL

This workshop is a holistic approach to health and wellness. Participants will learn the sacred teachings of our Ancestors and how they use these teachings in everyday life.

RECOVERY PROCESS

This workshop will help participants identify necessary steps to recovery; often people believe that if they quit the chemical addiction, they are better. The instructor will help participants become aware of other habits and behaviors they still practice and help them to make healthier changes.

FAMILY VALUES

This workshop identifies various dream cycles people have. The instructor will offer presentations to help participants understand the importance of completing these cycles in order to maintain a healthy mind, body and spirit.