Topic Sensitivity

• Reflection Exercise

  Reflect on personal healing:

  How do you relate to what is being discussed. 

  How can you relate these experiences with how you approach your personal & professional lives.

  The topics will be heavy due to the sensitivity of the discussion and themes of the training.  You may feel “triggered”:

  • Triggers are anything that remind someone of previous trauma.  To be triggered is to have an intense emotional or physical reaction, such as a panic attack, after encountering a trigger.(^[1]).
• If you need to excuse yourself at any time, please let our team know if you need help.  We will be creating safe spaces, for these topics to be discussed in depth.
• The designated place for used tissues is in bin outside of circle. Please collect your own tissues and dispose of them in the bin.  The Cultural Team will burn it in the sacred fire.  By doing this, your grief and grievances will be honored.

Creating a Safe Space

When we gather in a circle, we are all equal points from the center.  That means there is no hierarchy. Used properly, a circle it is a great tool for creating a welcoming space for discussions.

• It is important to create a safe space for people to want to share, listen and learn.
• This is what helps to build the necessary foundation towards TRUST.

The 7 Grandfather Teachings

Rules of Engagement:

Rules of engagement are in place to keep a safe space and to give everyone a voice.  These include:

• Self Reflection

  Do you ensure that a “safe space” is created in your approach when working with families & community?

  Tobacco offering to Knowledge Keeper/facilitator by person requesting circle; *relevant detail is imparative.*

• Terms are defined before circle starts; this helps to build a foundation of trust;
• Space is cleansed by smudge, and it is offered to participants;
• Confidentiality – Once sharing has began, the circle is CLOSED, people not welcome to enter;
• One person speaks at a time, running in a clockwise direction;
• We give respect and kindness by:
  • Listening
  • No profanity
  • No interrupting
• If clients present, worker needs to be present when possible; and
• When emotions are high, the participant is invited to go to the side for one on one with worker, or with additional Culture Staff.  The facilitator and can not leave the circle when in progress.
• When it is known that the subject will be intense, additional cultural service providers may be requested to be available.

The Circle

The Circle is of great symbolism, it is directly from the Creation Story, with the creation of the Sun, Moon and the Earth. The circle was complete in a clockwise direction and is represented in Anishinaabe Ceremonies.

The Circle is a symbolism of many indigenous peoples, each having their own interpretation of meaning and uses.  These teachings are represented in what is known as the Medicine Wheel, which explains our wellbeing in four quadrants.

Four quadrants to our wellbeing:

1.  Waabnong – East – Spiritual Intelligence
2. Zhaawnong – South – Emotional Intelligence
3. Epngishmok – West – Physical Intelligence
4. Giiwednong – North – Mental Intelligence

The example below includes other levels of creation for each direction:

Facilitated Circles and their benefits?

Requesting a Circle

Nogdawindamin Cultural Services Circle Referrals

There are four (4) types of circles that and can be requested.  The following chart gives outlines and examples of these circles.

It is ESSENTIAL for family members to give consent and to be apart of this process as much as possible.