Spirits Talking: Indigenous Talking Sticks & Talking Circles 2019

Jul 21 – Jul 23, 2019 Sun 2:00 PM – Tue 3:00 PM
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First Nations Talking Sticks are an ancient tradition. Used not only for talking but for deep listening, all focus on who ever is holding the talking stick. It gives the speaker the courage to speak from their heart. It provides a time to slow down from all the busy thoughts in our minds and focus moment to moment and see and hear each other as human beings.

Talking Circle Ceremonies can be used to resolve disputes, come to an agreement on a course of action or provide a release for things that have been heavy on your heart.

In this workshop, the stories, protocol, uses and meaning of the Talking Stick will be shared as you create your own Talking Stick. You will also learn about the responsibility and role of the person conducting a Talking Circle Ceremony. There is much more to leading a Circle then, just giving an explanation and then passing around the Talking Stick.

Program Cost:

We work hard to make our programs accessible, while ensuring that the true costs are covered.

When we get grant funding towards our programs, we name the true cost of the program in order to allow those who are able to pay this cost. Some will even be able to pay a generous cost to donate a little extra to help support others. Others need a reduced cost supported by grant funding. Some need greater financial support through our bursaries. If you need financial support, we really would like to hear from you as early as possible. We are particularly excited to support folks from Indigenous communities and other traditionally marginalized backgrounds.

Program Pricing:

A request for a single room adds $50 to the overall program cost. No accommodation required (if you are staying nearby) reduces the overall program cost by $80. Camping reduces the overall cost by $40.

True Program Cost: $484 (tuition, meals & accommodation in double occupancy).

Generous Registration Cost: $584 ($100 support for another participant, tuition, meals & accommodation in double occupancy).

Reduced Program Cost: $286 (tuition, meals & accommodation in double occupancy).

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Can’t afford it?

Please register as normal and indicate “partial bursary” or “full bursary” in the payment options and we will get in touch with you. Bursary deadline is July 1st.

Funding for this program is offered by “Seeds of Hope” of the United Church of Canada Foundation.

Leadership – Joe Michael

Joe Michael is a Mi’Kmaq elder and Pipe carrier from the community of Sipekne’katik. He is Elder in Residence at Mt. St. Vincent University. Joe has led workshops on First Nation culture with Judges, police officers, at Universities and gatherings and conferences. One of Joe’s biggest passions is communication.

A believer in positivity, he emphasizes listening empathically and building connections with others. He’s also committed to sharing his knowledge of Mi’kmaq language. He enjoys helping students learn the language by teaching its history and meaning. Joe was the Co-ordinator of the Tatamagouche Centre’s Peace and Friendship project for two years. He is currently on the Board of Directors for the Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network. Joe’s beautiful Talking Sticks have been sold around the world.

Leadership – Ishbel Munro

Ishbel Munro is a certified mediator trainer in Dialogue for Peaceful Change (DPC). She is also a certified mediator through Henson College, Dalhousie University. Ishbel has mediated conflicts in community based organizations, families, co-ops and across cultural groups. During her work with Coastal Communities Network, she utilized these skills to successfully bring together people from rural communities including fishermen, First Nations, African Nova Scotians, Municipal Councilors, women’s groups, religious organizations and many others.

Ishbel was the Program Director at the Tatamagouche Centre, working collaboratively to create programs that transformed people’s lives. She brings a range of experience working in community development, with First Nations, fishermen, youth and women. Ishbel is currently the Coordinator of Apji-wla’matulinej (Righting Relations) and Women of First Light. Both organizations work with Wabanaki women on healing, empowerment and restoring Clan Mother ways of being.