Hay River
People from around the territory are invited to claim a space in an upcoming Traditional Healing and Medicines Workshop in Hay River.
The free workshop is set for Nov. 28 and 29 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
It will be facilitated by Be’sha Blondin and open to 15 participants, selected on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The workshop is “for anybody who is interested in learning about traditional healing medicines and practices,” stated the bulletin advertising it.
“May involve nature walks so appropriate outdoor attire is suggested.”
Lunch will be provided.
The workshop is an initiative of K’atlodeeche First Nation.
– Erin Steele
Learning Dene Zhatie
Deh Cho
A new program slated to have begun in October aims to connect speakers of the Dene Zhatie language in the Deh Cho with those who’d like to learn it.
The Dehcho First Nation’s 9-month mentorship program aims to revitalize the language in the region.
It works by pairing a mentor with an apprentice.
“The mentor and apprentice will spend at least 10 hours per week together doing everyday activities using the Dene Zhatie at all times,” stated a bulletin advertising the program.
“It is anticipated that the learners will become more fluent in Dehcho Dene Zhatie.
Those interested in learning the language are asked to find their own mentors, which Dehcho First Nations will fund.
More information can be found through Dehcho First Nation’s language manager.
– Erin Steele
‘Informal’ caribou meeting coming up
Tulita/Fort Norman
Ten years of managing caribou is the subject of an upcoming meeting in Tulita.
The Fort Norman Metis Community is hosting this information session on Nov. 26 at 4 p.m.
The meeting aims to discuss 10 years of “activities” by various bodies including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Sahtu Renewable Resources Board.
Also “the impact that these activities may have on the ability of members to earn a living in the future in the Tulita District,” stated a bulletin advertising the event.
The meeting is hosted by Metis elder and lawyer Rick Hardy.
Sahtu MLA Danny McNeely “has agreed to attend the meeting to hear any concerns that might be raised,” stated the bulletin.
– Erin Steele
Learning from elders
Deline
Elders in Deline were scheduled to spend three days teaching sewing with silk to interested members of the community.
The workshops, billed as a “learning opportunity” were scheduled for Oct. 25, Oct. 27, and Oct. 29 at the community charter chambers.
“If you have your own supplies, come over and sew with us,” stated a bulletin advertising the evening.
“Supplies will be provided and support hires will be there to help.”
Everyone was invited to attend.
The events were sponsored by Parks Canada and the local sewing group.
– Erin Steele
Sewing circle seeks members
Acho Dene Koe/Fort Liard
Traditional Sewing Circle Classes are kicking off in Fort Liard – part of Acho Dene Koe First Nation’s community wellness push.
The first of the series of classes is set for Nov. 7 at the 9 Plex.
Subsequent classes are set for Nov. 10, Nov. 14, Nov. 21, Nov. 24, and Nov. 28.
The instructor is Barbara McLeod.
“Women and girls 13 and over welcome,” stated a bulletin advertising it on social media.
It stated moms and daughters, aunts and nieces, grandmas and granddaughters are all welcome.
The program is free for band members and costs an annual $20 fee to others interested.
The band’s community wellness program aims to bring a greater focus on health and wellness into the community through consistent and varied programming.
– Erin Steele