Nishnawbe Aski Nation

Oshkaatisak Council Annual Gathering
2026-02-20 08:00 - 2026-02-22 17:00 (America/Toronto)

Building Capacity for Nishnawbe Aski Nation Crisis Coordinators - Understanding Mental Health and Substance Abuse (Training Event)
2026-02-24 04:00 - 2026-02-26 12:00
The Community Wellness Training Team at Nishnawbe Aski Nation is accepting applications for facilitators to deliver engaging, interactive workshops or presentations at the Building Capacity for Nishnawbe Aski Nation Crisis Coordinators – Understanding Mental Health and Substance Abuse (Training Event).

🗓️When: February 24–26, 2026📍Where: Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites in Winnipeg, MB

We are seeking sessions that provide training, professional development, and hands-on learning focused on strengthening and supporting mental wellness, building practical skills, and fostering meaningful connections, while also enhancing frontline workers’ understanding of substance use in NAN First Nations.

Application Deadline: January 9, 2026

Facilitator/Presenter Application

Workshop Considerations

Session Duration: 2-hour sessions, half-day sessions (3–4 hours), or full-day sessions (6–7 hours).

Session Format: Sessions may be delivered as facilitated breakout group discussions, hands-on learning experiences, or lecture-style presentations (including traditional teaching and PowerPoint presentations).

Target Audience: Sessions will be designed for approximately 40 delegates, primarily Crisis Response Coordinators, Health Directors, and Mental Health Workers.

Travel Logistics: Travel and accommodation costs will be covered; however, facilitators are responsible for arranging their own travel.

Selection Criteria

The conference organizers will evaluate all proposals based on these criteria:

Relevance to conference themeEngagement and interactivity of formatPresenter experience and expertisePractical value and takeaways for attendeesDiversity of perspectives/topicsCost of Workshop

If selected, final presentations/ other materials due Friday, February 6, 2026

ALL selected presentations require the submission of an abstract and presenter bios for the conference program.

Supplementary Information for the Call out for Presenters/Facilitators

Objectives of the Gathering

Strengthen Transferable Crisis-Response Skills:Equip Crisis Response Coordinators with practical, adaptable tools and approaches they can apply in a wide range of emergency and wellness situations within First Nations communities.

Foster Open Dialogue on Emerging Challenges:Create space for participants to openly discuss current mental health, substance use, and overdose-related challenges, encouraging collaborative problem-solving and the sharing of community-driven solutions.

Identify and Overcome Barriers in Mental Health and Addictions Response:Support participants in recognizing systemic, cultural, and practical challenges that affect mental health and addictions services in First Nations communities and explore culturally grounded strategies to address these barriers and enhance effective, community-driven care and support.

Promote Personal Wellness and Burnout Prevention:Emphasize the importance of maintaining physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being so front-line workers can remain effective, resilient, and grounded in their roles.

Enhance Skills for Supporting Individuals and Families Affected by Substance Use:Strengthen participants’ ability to provide compassionate, culturally safe support to people directly experiencing substance use disorders, as well as their families, caregivers, and community members who are indirectly impacted.

Build Strong Networks and Partnerships:Provide dedicated opportunities for participants to connect, exchange insights, and form collaborative relationships that can strengthen crisis response efforts across First Nations communities.

Session Themes to Consider

Holistic & Community-Led Mental Wellness

Integrating traditional healing practices with Western wellness approachesStrengths-based approaches to supporting individual, family, and community well-beingLand-based activities that nurture resilience, identity, and cultural connection

Understanding Substance Use & Promoting Wellness

Harm reduction as a pathway to safety, trust, and wellnessCulturally grounded education on substance use, wellness, and preventionSupporting individuals and families with compassion, connection, and dignity

Core Skills for Frontline Helpers

Trauma-informed, culturally safe communication and relationship-buildingSupporting individuals through stress, grief, and change with care and confidencePractical tools for promoting calm, safety, and emotional regulationStrengthening collaboration and shared care within communities

Workforce Wellness & Sustainability

Supporting emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual wellness among frontline workersRecognizing stress and compassion fatigue while building sustainable wellness practicesCreating workplace cultures that prioritize care, balance, and mutual supportHonouring boundaries while maintaining meaningful community engagement

Engaging Youth, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers

Youth-led wellness initiatives and peer connection spacesIntergenerational learning that strengthens cultural continuity and belongingElder- and Knowledge Keeper–guided teachings that support healing and wellnessTraditional knowledge as a foundation for prevention and lifelong well-being

Reducing Barriers & Strengthening Community Capacity

Addressing stigma and fostering open, respectful conversations about mental wellness and substance useImproving access to culturally grounded supports and community-based servicesBuilding local capacity through training, mentorship, and leadership developmentNavigating systems in ways that support long-term community wellness

Celebrating Community Wellness Stories

Community-led wellness initiatives that inspire connection and hopeStories of prevention, resilience, and collective carePartnerships that strengthen culturally grounded mental wellness programmingLocal approaches that blend cultural teachings with effective wellness practices

Connection, Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing

Building networks that support shared learning and mutual encouragementSharing tools and resources that promote mental wellness across communitiesCommunity-to-community mentorship focused on growth, wellness, and sustainability

Facilitator/Presenter Application

For more information, please contact

Shelley Fugere, Mental Health Training Officer

via email sfugere@nan.ca or via phone 807.700.4744

Continuity of Care Forum
2026-02-25 04:00 - 2026-02-26 12:00
Mark your calendars!

This year’s Seven Youth Inquest-Continuity of Care Forum is taking place February 25-26, 2026 at the BW Nor’Wester Hotel and Conference Centre.

Register Here : https://theadventuregroup.regfox.com/nan-coc-2026

This year’s theme “The Journey Continues: Ten Years of Healing, Supporting & Remembering” recognizes a decade of work connected to the Seven Youth Inquest, honors the families who have carried this journey, the youth we continue to remember, and the ongoing shared responsibility.

NAN Chiefs Spring Assembly
2026-03-24 05:00 - 2026-03-26 13:00
The NAN Chiefs Spring Assembly has been scheduled for March 24, 25 & 26, 2026, this will be a hybrid meeting, taking place at The Chelsea Hotel, Toronto, ON.

Livestream Link

CONFIRMATIONS / REGISTRATION

Registration is now open, Chiefs/Proxies are asked to complete a registration form to confirm his/her attendance on the link provided below:

Registration Link

PROXIES

If you are unable to attend, a proxy may be sent. Proxy notice must be sent in advance on letterhead and signed by the Chief and Council or a quorum of the Council. This letter will ensure that the proxy has full conference privileges to act on your behalf. The designated proxy should bring the original letter to the meeting. A sample proxy letter is attached. Please note: We are using a new registration system that requires you to upload the signed letter in order to complete your registration.

Proxy Form

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

Travel will be covered for Chiefs/Proxies. Travel days are Monday March 23, 2026 and Friday March 27, 2026. Air travel will be booked by NAN staff or for the use of a personal vehicle; mileage will be covered and based on the NAN rate. As required by NAN Chiefs Finance Committee, the most economical arrangements will be made to keep the overall costs to a minimum.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Accommodations for Chiefs/Proxies, Elders, Women & Youth Councils, and guests of NAN will be booked by NAN Staff.

NAN ELDERS COUNCIL, NAN WOMEN’S COUNCIL AND OSHKAATISAK COUNCIL

The NAN Elders Council, Women’s Council and the Oshkaatisak (Young Peoples) Council are invited to attend. NAN will cover their travel expenses and accommodations.

NAN staff will contact NAN Elders Council directly to register and make travel arrangements. NAN Women’s Council and the Oshkaatisak (Young Peoples) Council can register on the link above.

Travel arrangements for the NAN Women’s Council contact is Karissa Michano she can be reached at kmichano@nan.ca

Travel arrangements for the Oshkaatisak Council will be Kelsie Jaworski she can be reached at kjaworski@nan.ca

First Nations and Tribal Councils bringing additional Elders are responsible for all expenses incurred including travel, accommodations, and honorarium.

RESOLUTIONS-DEADLINE: MONDAY March 16, 2026

Resolutions to be considered at the Assembly can be forwarded electronically to Luke Hunter at lhunter@nan.ca or via fax at (807)623-7730.

OPEN CALL TO CHIEFS FOR AGENDA ITEMS – DEADLINE: MONDAY March 16, 2026

If there are any priority issues or items that you wish to discuss at the NAN Chiefs Spring Assembly, please contact Charlene Yerxa by email cyerxa@nan.ca or by phone at 1(800)465-9952. Open call for agenda items is for Chiefs only.

If you require any additional information or require clarification, please contact Charlene Yerxa by email cyerxa@nan.ca or phone at (807)625-4914 /(807)621-6175(Cell)

4th Annual Wise Practices Gathering- Toronto
2026-04-28 08:00 - 2026-04-30 17:00
We’re inviting those who are supporting children, families, and communities to join us at our upcoming Wise Practices Gatherings.

If you are working in Early Years, Education, or Health within NAN communities, this gathering is for you.

These gatherings will bring together voices from across communities to share knowledge, strengthen relationships, and uplift wise practices grounded in children, culture, land, language, and communities.

Whether you’re an Educator, Education Director, or Health Director, we welcome you to join us.

This is a unique opportunity to explore traditional practices, foster collaboration, and support one another in building strong, culturally grounded programs for children and families.

Toronto GatheringWinnipeg GatheringApril 28, 29 & 30, 2026June 2, 3 & 4, 2026Toronto, ON- Holiday Inn Toronto AirportWinnipeg, MB- Delta Downtown Winnipeg HotelRegistration closes March 31, 2026Registration Closes May 5, 2026

Toronto Registration Link

Winnipeg Registration Link

For more information, including registration support, please email Marianne Bortolin at info@podium-events.com.

Siigwan Education Directors Forum 2026
2026-05-21 08:00 - 2026-05-22 17:00
The Siigwan Education Directors Forum is back this spring, and registration is now OPEN!

Join us for two days of connection, learning, and collaboration as Education Directors from across NAN territory come together once again to explore key topics in education. More details will be shared soon!

📍 Winnipeg, MB

📅 May 21 & 22, 2026

We can’t wait to gather, share knowledge, and continue strengthening education in our communities.

Register now by visiting http://nan.smudging.ca/Meeting/Register/eb08d22a-f06b-434e-8894-ecfeb781c86b

Land-Based Learning Gathering
2026-05-26 08:00 - 2026-05-27 17:00
NAN is pleased to announce the upcoming Land-Based Learning Gathering, which will bring together educators from across Ontario to share knowledge, experiences, and promising practices in land-based education.

This year’s gathering will be guided by the theme:

Learning the Language of the Land Bizindan Aki, Supporting Mental Health and Wellness Through Land-Based Learning

4th Annual Wise Practices Gathering- Winnipeg
2026-06-02 08:00 - 2026-06-04 17:00
We’re inviting those who are supporting children, families, and communities to join us at our upcoming Wise Practices Gatherings.

If you are working in Early Years, Education, or Health within NAN communities, this gathering is for you.

These gatherings will bring together voices from across communities to share knowledge, strengthen relationships, and uplift wise practices grounded in children, culture, land, language, and communities.

Whether you’re an Educator, Education Director, or Health Director, we welcome you to join us.

This is a unique opportunity to explore traditional practices, foster collaboration, and support one another in building strong, culturally grounded programs for children and families.

Winnipeg GatheringToronto GatheringJune 2, 3 & 4, 2026April 28, 29 & 30, 2026Winnipeg, MB- Delta Downtown Winnipeg HotelToronto, ON- Holiday Inn Toronto AirportRegistration closes May 5, 2026Registration Closes March 31, 2026

Winnipeg Registration Link

Toronto Registration Link

For more information, including registration support, please email Marianne Bortolin at info@podium-events.com.
