Save The Date: MWASW Annual Conference October 18, 19, 20, 2023
Opening Remarks – Graydon Nicholas
Mi’kmaq Wolastoqiyik Association of Social Workers – October 18, 2023, Conference and Mawiomi
– Graydon Nicholas
1. I want to thank you for inviting me for another year at your Conference and Mawiomi. I want to congratulate you for your growth and professional education process. I want to welcome all the speakers, resource persons and other guests.
2. You have invited me to your previous meetings, and I was always honoured and grateful to participate. Last year, I shared about my involvement in study entitled the No Child Left Behind, released on September 4, 2021, to improve the lives of our Indigenous persons who have thoughts of ending their lives.
3. There were 13 Calls to Action which involved systemic changes and required the resources to involve our Elders, Health Professionals, community leaders and volunteers to improve live for our people and communities.
4. I share with you the about Dr. Andrew Dutcher, a member of the Wolastoqey at Neqotkuk, who is psychiatrist, and studied at the University of Calgary. He now comes to our Territory to provide counselling. I would like to repeat that what he provided valuable information on mental wellness. The definition of mental health used by the health providers does not meet the reality of our people. We need to use the term mental wellness. Why? The definition of mental wellness is a balance of mental, physical, spiritual and emotion. This balance is enriched as individuals have: purpose in their daily lives whether it is through education, employment, care-giving activities, or cultural ways of being and doing; hope for their future and those of their families that is grounded in a sense of identity, unique indigenous values, having a belief in spirit; a sense of belonging and connectedness within their families, to community, and to culture; and finally a sense of meaning and understanding of how their lives and those of their families and communities are part of creation and rich history. [ First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework, Summary report, Health Canada, January 2026].
[13 Calls to Action] of No Child Left Behind.
Summary of Calls to Action [13 Calls to Action] of No Child Left Behind.
1) The Mi’kmaq, Peskotomuhkati, and Wolastoqey languages be formally recognized and supported by provincial legislation which:
a. Recognizes that these languages are the original languages of this territory, that Indigenous language rights are part of the Peace and Friendship Treaties and that these languages are currently endangered;
b. Recognizes that these languages are the original languages as fundamental and valued in New Brunswick culture and society;
c. Actively supports Indigenous languages revitalization through funding and programs provided by provincial government and / or in partnership with the federal government.
d. Affirms that the reclamation, preservation, revitalization and protection of Mi’kmaq, Peskotomuhkati and Wolastoqey languages are best undertaken by these Indigenous peoples and communities.
2) Culture as Foundation and a Two-Eyed Seeing approach should be used as the basis for implementing mental wellness, health and addictions services for Indigenous youth. Culturally relevant services and programming should be available for Indigenous youth and families though:
a. Co-development with Indigenous peoples and communities.
b. Indigenous-led community-based services as part of the continuum of services.
c. Provincial health and mental health program and services that meet the mental wellness needs of Indigenous people;
d. Enhanced collaboration between provincial health services First Nation communities and Indigenous organizations to ensure that Indigenous youth have a culturally safe and seamless experience when using health and mental health and wellness services.
3) The Province of New Brunswick and Indigenous communities and organizations work together to effect changes in health structures and processes, such as service design, policy, human and financial resources, programs and services delivery with the longer-term goal of cultural safety and improved mental health outcomes for Indigenous people.
4: Establish a Tripartite forum and an ongoing process involving Indigenous leaders, Directors and organizations, provincial and federal governments:
a. Develop a framework for culturally appropriate, competent and safe mental health and wellness services for Indigenous people;
b. Improve access, provision and cultural competency and safety of mental health and wellness services for Indigenous youth;
c. Include First Nation input and oversight on the Indigenous portion of funding and aspects of the Canada- NB Agreement on Mental Health and Addictions;
d. Establish sites(s) as Indigenous-led healing centre(s), (e.g., Lonewater Farm ) and enable success with provincial property tax reform and long-term funding for programming, staff training support, etc.
e. Provide integration of the provincial ISD teams and the Jordan’s Principle staff to better serve the needs of Indigenous children ad to create a cohesive jurisdictional approach to ensuring no gaps
MWASW Conference 2023
October 19, 2023
October 19, 2023
October 19, 2023
Kathy Absolon
(Minogiizhigokwe – Shining Day Woman)
Is Anishinaabe kwe who is a community helper, knowledge seeker, knowledge carrier, educator, re-searcher and writer. Kathy is a member of Flying Post First Nation Treaty 9. At the age of 62, Kathy carries truth stories about both a rich cultural history and Canada’s colonial history. Her
Kathy Absolon
(Minogiizhigokwe – Shining Day Woman)
Is Anishinaabe kwe who is a community helper, knowledge seeker, knowledge carrier, educator, re-searcher and writer. Kathy is a member of Flying Post First Nation Treaty 9. At the age of 62, Kathy carries truth stories about both a rich cultural history and Canada’s colonial history. Her lifetime of work in decolonial stories and Indigenous education has been informed by her land-based philosophy. Currently, Kathy is a Professor in the Indigenous Field of Study, Masters of Social Work Program in the Faculty of Social Work and the Director of the Centre for Indigegogy at Wilfrid Laurier University. She spent the first 20 years of her life living in the bush in a place called Cranberry Lake. The land, she says, is a library of knowledge and taught her so much about life and she continues to reflect and draw on her land based teachings. Her passion for wellness among her peoples and the restoration of Indigenous knowledge in Creation has been one of the driving forces in her life work as an Indigenous wholistic practitioner in child welfare, Native mental health, youth justice, education, and community work. Over the last 35 years, her academic and cultural work has been in restoring, reclaiming, re-righting Indigenous history, knowledge, cultural worldviews and making the invisible visible - decolonization. She promotes this through Indigenous research methodologies and published “Kaandossiwin, How we come to know” (2011) and in her recently published 2nd edition (Fernwood Publishing) of Kaandossiwin How We Come to Know (2022). Indigenous re-Search. Currently, Kathy is co-editing another book related to Decolonizing Journeys, forthcoming in 2025. She has authored book chapters, journal articles, multi-media projects and other works in wholistic practice, social inclusion, reconciliation, community healing and wellness and Indigenous knowledge.
October 19, 2023
October 19, 2023
October 19, 2023
Tuma Young, KC,
is an L’nu (Mi’kmaq) from Malagawatch reserve and his band is Eskasoni First Nation. Tuma was born into the Attu’wej (Squirrel) clan for the Aplikjumuj (Rabbit) clan. Tuma resides in Sydney River with his husband, Nicolaas Honig and he teaches L’nu (Mi’kmaq) Studies at Cape Breton University.
Tuma is the first L’nuwisit (flu
Tuma Young, KC,
is an L’nu (Mi’kmaq) from Malagawatch reserve and his band is Eskasoni First Nation. Tuma was born into the Attu’wej (Squirrel) clan for the Aplikjumuj (Rabbit) clan. Tuma resides in Sydney River with his husband, Nicolaas Honig and he teaches L’nu (Mi’kmaq) Studies at Cape Breton University.
Tuma is the first L’nuwisit (fluent Mi’kmaq speaking) lawyer called to the bar in Nova Scotia (2001) and was the President of the Nova Scotia Barristers Society for 2021-22. Tuma currently sits as the Nova Scotia board representative on Canadian Bar Association National Board of Directors.
Tuma’s legal focus is on the restoration of L’nuwey & Wabanaki Laws. Thus, much of his current legal work is on bringing Wabanaki Laws and worldviews to our clients’ needs in Child & Family Services, Health, Governance & Adjudication.
Tuma has significant experience in Aboriginal law, which is Canadian Law as it applies to Indigenous folks. Tuma Aboriginal legal work experience has been in Governance, Health, Education, Social, Fisheries, Aboriginal & Treaty Rights, Taxation, Justice, Regulatory bodies and in Adjudication.
October 20, 2023
October 19, 2023
October 20, 2023
Kristen Basque
is a Mi’kmaq Social worker from Eskasoni First Nations, Nova Scotia. She was born and raised in Eskasoni. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and minored in psychology from University of Cape Breton. After graduation, Kristen took a year off to work in justice as a Youth Justice worker with Mi'kmaq Legal Suppo
Kristen Basque
is a Mi’kmaq Social worker from Eskasoni First Nations, Nova Scotia. She was born and raised in Eskasoni. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and minored in psychology from University of Cape Breton. After graduation, Kristen took a year off to work in justice as a Youth Justice worker with Mi'kmaq Legal Support Network. She returned to school after her year of employment to pursue a career in Social Work. Kristen graduated from Dalhousie Maritime School of Social Work. After graduation, Kristen was employed with Mi’kmaw Family and Children’s Services of Nova Scotia (MFCSNS) as a child protection social worker. While on maternity leave, she accepted a position as a youth customary law worker. During her employment, she facilitated Youth Justice Circles. In 2005, Kristen returned to work for MFCSNS as coordinator of Family Group Conferencing. Kristen was the Supervisor of the Wikɨmanej Kikmanaq Family Group Circle Program where she was worked passionately in promote building positive relationships, reconciliation, and healing while empowering families to make decisions for themselves. Currently Kristen is the Manager of Prevention Services at Mi’kmaq Family & Children’s Services where she continues working on advocating for families in development of preventative services that embody Mi’kmaw customs, traditions, and values. Kristen resides in Eskasoni with her partner Bertram and their 15-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son. She is a fluent Mi’kmaq speaker and believes in the importance of preserving her language and culture through embracing culturally relevant practices with families in their own communities.
Kikehtahsuwey| Angweiatimgewiei| Taking care of each other
Spiritual Self-Care Gathering Agenda
St. Mary’s First Nation Maqiyahtimok Conference Center 247 Maliseet Drive
Wednesday April 19th 2023
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Registration
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. MC Introduction, Drumming In Ceremony, Welcome Remarks-Chief Polchies, Gifting Ceremony
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Journal Writing (Validation and Acknowledgement)
3:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nutrition Break
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Protocols for Ceremony/Sweat Lodge Preparation
4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Supper on Your Own
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. OPTIONS: Sacred Fire/Naming Ceremony/Sweat Lodge
Thursday April 20th 2023
6:30 a.m. Sunrise Ceremony/Stretching/Relaxation Exercises
9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Check In
10:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.Nutrition Break
10:30 to Noon Grandmother Teachings
12:00 Noon Traditional salmon and fruit salad Lunch Provided
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 7 Sacred Teachings
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Protocols for Ceremony/Sweat Lodge Preparation
3:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Nutrition Break
3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Medicine Bag Bundle Making
4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Traditional Supper
Provided
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. OPTIONS: Sacred Fire/Naming Ceremony/Sweat Lodge
Friday April 21st, 2023
6:30 a.m. Sunrise Ceremony/Stretching/Relaxation Exercise
9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Check In
10:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Nutrition Break
10:15 a.m.to 12:00 p.m. Healing with Elders
12:00 Evaluation/Closing
Elders will be available throughout the Gathering. Elders: Glenda Wysote-Labillois, Miigam’agan, Jeannie Bartibogue, Ramona Nicholas Elder Helper: Rosalee Labillois
Sweat Lodge Keepers: Chris Brooks, Evan Sacobie Fire Keepers: Ed Perley, Norman Bernard, Aaron Nicholas, Marty Bear
Smudging Stations will be set up throughout the Gathering
Mi'kmaq / Maliseet Bachelor of Social Work 2023
