GPFC Pikiskwetan

04/07/2026

Good morning, Grande Prairie! ☀️☕

I hope you all had a beautiful, restorative Easter long weekend. Whether you spent it surrounded by family, enjoying the crisp spring air, or simply soaking up some much-needed quiet time, I hope your "battery" feels a little fuller today!

I am back in the office, feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready to dive back into the work we do together.
Coming off a long weekend can sometimes feel like a bit of a "gear shift," so remember to be gentle with yourself today as you settle back into your rhythm. Small steps are still steps!

📢 A quick reminder for the week ahead:

Our "Pathways To Recovery" skills group is gearing up for our next session at the Grande Prairie Friendship Center! If you’re looking for practical tools to navigate life’s ups and downs in a supportive, judgment-free environment, there is a seat waiting for you.

Red Road Recovery is today at 1:30 - weather permitting we will meet down at Musko Park!

Let’s check in:

What was the highlight of your long weekend? Or, what is one goal you’re setting for yourself this week? Drop a comment below and let’s start the week on a positive note! 👇

04/02/2026

Good afternoon, Grande Prairie! ☀️

In the spirit of the season and the upcoming long weekend, I am practicing what I preach and taking some intentional time to unplug. To show up fully for this community, it’s important to occasionally step back and refill the "well."

Holiday Hours & Closure:

🗓️ Closed: Friday, April 3rd – Monday, April 6th
🗓️ Re-opening: Tuesday, April 7th

I’ll be spending the next few days enjoying the fresh Alberta air, catching up on my novel, and spending quality time with my children. I hope you’re able to find your own version of "rest" this weekend—whether that’s a quiet morning coffee, a walk through Muskoseepi Park, or a meal with loved ones. 🌷☕

A Note on Support:

While I am away from my desk, please remember that you don't have to navigate a difficult moment alone. If you find yourself in need of immediate support over the holidays, these incredible resources are available 24/7:

📞 Alberta 211: (Call 2-1-1 or text INFO to 211)
📞 Mental Health Helpline: 1-877-303-2642
📞 Canada Su***de Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566

Wishing you all a peaceful, restorative, and safe Easter weekend. I look forward to connecting with you all again on Tuesday! 🕊️

04/02/2026

🌿 Your "Gentle Reset" Self-Care Checklist

With the busy Easter weekend coming up in Grande Prairie, it’s easy to let our own needs slip to the bottom of the to-do list.

But remember: Self-care isn't a reward for finishing your work; it’s the fuel that allows you to do it.

​Here is a simple checklist for whenever you feel your "battery" running low. Try to pick just two items today:

​[ ] The 5-Minute "Brain Dump": Grab a notebook and write down everything stressing you out. Get it out of your head and onto the paper.

​[ ] Nature Connection: Step outside for 10 minutes of fresh Alberta air. Even a quick walk around the block can reset your nervous system. 🏔️

​[ ] Hydration Check: Drink a full glass of water. Our brains often mistake dehydration for fatigue or anxiety! 💧

​[ ] Digital Detox: Put your phone in another room for 30 minutes. Give your mind a break from the "scroll."

​[ ] The "No" Power-Up: Practice saying "no" to one small thing that drains your energy today. Setting a boundary is the ultimate form of self-care. 🛡️

​[ ] Kind Self-Talk: Replace one "I should have..." with "I am doing my best with the tools I have right now."

​[ ] Move Your Body: Stretch, dance to one favorite song, or go for a brisk walk in Muskoseepi Park. 🏃‍♀️

​Self-care doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming. It just has to be intentional.

​Which one are you checking off today? Let us know in the comments so we can cheer you on! 👇

​

04/01/2026

🤔 Nervous About Joining a Group? Let’s Chat.

​I hear it all the time: "I want to join Pathways To Recovery, but I’m nervous about what to expect." If that’s you, please know that you are not alone in that feeling. Walking into a new space—especially one centered on mental health and recovery—is a big deal!

To help you feel a bit more at home, here are the answers to the questions I get most often:

​"Do I have to talk or share my whole story?" 🗣️

​The Answer: Absolutely not. You are in total control of your comfort level. Some people arrive ready to share, while others prefer to sit back, listen, and absorb the skills we are learning. Your presence is enough, and there is never any pressure to "perform."

​"What actually happens in a session?" 📝

​The Answer: Think of it more like a workshop than a "vent session." We focus on skills-building. We might talk about how to handle a stressful workday, how to set a boundary with a family member, or how to manage a craving. You’ll leave with a practical "tool" you can actually use that same day.

​"Is it confidential?" 🤫

​The Answer: 100%. What is said in our circle stays in our circle. Protecting the privacy of everyone in the Addiction & Mental Health Program is my top priority. We create a "brave space" where everyone agrees to respect each other's journey.

​"What if I’m having a rough day and don’t feel 'positive'?" ⛈️

​The Answer: Then you are in the right place! We don’t expect you to have it all together. This group is for the "real" version of you—the one who is trying, the one who is tired, and the one who is ready for a change.

​"How do I actually get started?" 🗺️

​The Answer: It’s simple! You can send me a private message right here on Facebook, or stop by the Grande Prairie Friendship Center and ask for Shelby in the Addiction & Mental Health Program. I’d be happy to give you a tour or chat one-on-one first.

​Still have a question I didn't cover? Drop it below or send me a DM. No question is too small! 👇

​

03/31/2026

🛤️ Your Journey, Your Pace:

Join Pathways To Recovery

​Are you feeling "stuck" in your recovery journey? Are you looking for practical tools to handle the ups and downs of daily life while staying true to your goals?
​I am so proud to facilitate Pathways To Recovery, a skills-building group right here at the Grande Prairie Friendship Center.

​This isn't just another meeting. It’s a space designed to help you bridge the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it. We focus on real-world skills that help you navigate stress, build healthier relationships, and reclaim your spark.

​What we focus on in Pathways:
✨ Emotional Regulation: Learning how to ride the waves without being pulled under.
✨ Boundaries: How to say "no" so you can say "yes" to your own healing.
✨ Connection: Realizing that your struggle doesn't have to be a solo journey.
✨ Resilience: Building a toolkit that works for your unique life.

​Who is this for?

Whether you are at the beginning of your recovery, navigating a "rough patch," or just looking for a supportive community that understands the reality of addiction and mental health—there is a seat for you here.

​The Details:
📍 Where: Grande Prairie Friendship Center (Addiction & Mental Health Program)
👥 Format: Safe, supportive, and skills-focused.
🌱 Cost: Free to the community

​Recovery isn't about being perfect; it’s about being present. If you’re ready to start building your own pathway, I’d love to have you join us.

​Interested in joining or have questions? Send a private message or stop by the Friendship Center to chat!

03/26/2026

Mark your calendars for this one! Jay Genaille, the amazing hoop dancer from British Columbia is coming to the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre.

Tuesday April 14th from 1pm-3pm in our Kikinaw space.

Enjoy a dance presentation followed by a wonderful talk about resilience, reconnection and more. Jay will then take questions and offer photos with guests.

No registration required - free for all!

See you there!

03/23/2026

Lunch & Learn today!!!! Open to everyone!

Do you have questions or concerns about the switch from RCMP to The Grande Prairie Police Service?

Join us on Monday March 23rd for a lunch and learn session with special guests from our own GPPS to answer all questions!!

03/19/2026

THE CONFERENCE HAS SOLD OUT!

If you would like to go on a cancellation list, please email paulagerlitz@gpfriendship.com

On behalf of the Kikinaw Outreach Program with the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre, we are pleased to invite you to attend the Family Violence Prevention Conference: Strengthening Safety Through Culture, Connection & Community on March 26th at the Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre Banquet Room 2. Sign-in will commence at 8:30 am and the conference will run from 9:00am - 4:30pm. Lunch and refreshments are included

We are honoured to welcome two powerful keynote speakers whose work has contributed significantly to conversations about Indigenous safety, healing and justice.

Dr. James Makokis, a Cree physician from Saddle Lake Cree Nation and one of Canada's leading voices in Indigenous health and advocacy, will share insights grounded in cultural strength, healing and systemic change. Dr. Makokis is widely known for his work advancing culturally safe healthcare for Indigenous peoples and for challenging systems that contribute to inequity and harm.
We are also honoured to welcome Angela Sterritt, an award-winning journalist, author, and member of the Gitxsan Nation. Angela's work focuses on justice for Indigenous women, families, and communities. Through her storytelling and investigative journalism, she brings forward powerful truths about violence, resilience, and the ongoing work required to create safer communities.

We hope you will be able to join us for this important day.

03/17/2026

Do you have questions or concerns about the switch from RCMP to The Grande Prairie Police Service?

Join us on Monday March 23rd for a lunch and learn session with special guests from our own GPPS to answer all questions!!

03/08/2026

🌸 Celebrating the Women of the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre 🌸
Today, on International Womens Day, we are taking a moment to honor the incredible women who serve as the heartbeat of our community.
At the Friendship Centre, strength isn't just a word—it’s a legacy. We see it in our Elders who pass down traditional wisdom, in our staff who provide a safe landing for families, and in every woman who walks through our doors to lead, heal, and advocate. ✊✨

These women are the architects of our future. By leading with resilience and compassion, they are showing our young women that to be "strong" means being grounded in who you are. They are teaching the next generation that their voices matter, their culture is their power, and their potential is limitless.

Behind every strong woman is a community of women who had her back. To the matriarchs who paved the way and the girls who are the way: We celebrate you. 🌹
Today, we honor the labor, the love, and the leadership that makes our Friendship Centre—and our community—thrive. 🤝❤️

Join the celebration! Tag a woman from the Centre who inspires you or share a piece of advice a mentor here has given you. 👇

03/05/2026

Mark your calendars!!

Elders Lunch & Learn will be facilitated by the GP Police Service - explaining the transition from RCMP to our very own Police Service along with answering any questions!

03/05/2026