September 20
Virtual Healing Circles for Métis Survivors of Intergenerational, Colonial, and Systemic Trauma
Saturdays, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM (MST)
September 20, 27 | October 4, 11, 18, 25
Platform: Zoom
Register for Virtual Healing Circles Here
The Virtual Healing Circles are a six-week online virtual healing circle created to support Métis Survivors of Intergenerational, Colonial, and Systemic Trauma. Guided by experienced facilitators from the Weaving Wellness Centre, each session is a space of healing, connection, and cultural empowerment.
Through mindfulness, Métis cultural teachings, and community support, participants will explore how trauma impacts the mind, body, spirit, and emotions, and how to walk a path of healing with resilience, compassion, and strength.
Each circle will welcome up to 25 participants, ensuring an intimate and supported space for all who attend.
Weekly Session Overview
Week 1: Sept 20 – Introductions and Understanding Trauma
Participants will be introduced to the impacts of trauma through a holistic orientation (mind, body, spirit, emotion) and Métis perspectives. Participants will be invited to practice mindfulness and self-compassion exercises to develop greater awareness and self-reflexivity when experiencing trauma symptoms.
Week 2: Sept 27 – Trauma Triggers and Well-being Skills
Participants will be encouraged to reflect, explore and discover how trauma appears in both our lives and bodies. Participants will be introduced to the concept of their ‘window of tolerance’, triggers, and how we are able to cultivate and see to our well-being in those moments.
Week 3: Oct 4 – Intergenerational Trauma and Grounding Skills
Participants will have the opportunity to learn about and discuss their own experiences with Intergenerational, Colonial, and Systemic Trauma as Métis people. Participants will be introduced to some cultural and grounding mechanisms for healing.
Week 4: Oct 11 – Intergenerational Grief and Grounding Skills
Participants will continue to review the historical and ongoing harms suffered by Métis communities and learn how to grieve and feel loss safely. Participants will discuss their experiences of moving through grief and their mechanisms for healing by sharing their wisdom with the group.
Week 5: Oct 18 – Exploring Self-Compassion and Healing
Participants will continue to learn about self-compassion and its role in healing trauma. Participants will be guided through a self-compassion meditation and artistic expression exercise to support their healing and emotional care. The group will be invited to reflect upon their experience in the exercises and how it impacted them.
Week 6: Oct 25 – Cultivating Well-being and Strength
Discussion will centre around healing in connection with community to foster strength and resilience. Participants will be invited to explore and share their sources of strength, well-being, resilience, and community. Participants will be guided through a self-reflective exercise to harness their internal strengths and construct their own personal well-being plans.
For more information, please contact the Community Wellness Advocate at: CWA@metis.org