First Peoples Wellness Circle

04/13/2026

Looking for something to listen to? 🎧🎙️

Join us in this week’s Rekindling The Fire podcast episode for Youth Perspectives, Building the Future of Wellness where Rachel Robinson and Connor LaFortune (poet, writer, activist, and musician from Dokis First Nation) meet to discuss the transformative shift from reactive crisis intervention to proactive life promotion within Indigenous communities.

The conversation delves into the power of reclaiming and connecting with traditional language and the land as essential foundations for mental wellness. It highlights how younger generations are redefining wellness by unapologetically embracing their identities, sitting with Elders to bridge intergenerational knowledge gaps, and utilizing creative arts to imagine new, thriving futures for Indigenous People.

We hope you enjoy this week’s conversation! Don’t forget to subscribe for notifications on new podcast episodes. 🙌

https://fpwc.ca/rekindling-the-fire/

04/07/2026

Call for Abstracts: WISPC 2026 📥

On behalf of Te Rau Ora, FPWC is proud to share an open invitation for the World Indigenous Su***de Prevention Conference (WISPC) 2026.

This is an opportunity for researchers, practitioners, and community leaders to share Indigenous-led solutions, wisdom, and healing practices on a global stage.

Abstract submissions close April 13, 2026. 🗓️

Learn more and submit here: https://wispc2026.com/program/call-for-abstracts/

04/03/2026

Wishing everyone a peaceful and restful Easter weekend. ☀️🐰

Please note that FPWC offices will be closed on Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6. We will reopen on Tuesday, April 7.

We hope this long weekend brings opportunities for rest, reflection, and time with loved ones and community.

03/31/2026

March 31 is National Indigenous Languages Day. 🧡

Language is more than just communication; it's memories, traditional teachings, culture, and a living connection to the land and community.

Every time a language is spoken, learned, or shared, the path is carried forward for future speakers and generations.

Today, we honour and thank the speakers, Knowledge Carriers, teachers, learners, and communities who dedicate themselves to carrying these beautiful languages forward.

03/23/2026

The latest episode of Rekindling The Fire podcast is officially out now! 🔥

🔗 https://fpwc.ca/rekindling-the-fire/

In this episode, FPWC’s Knowledge Exchange Facilitator Rachel Robinson meets with Opelahsomuwehs (Dr. Imelda Perley - Wolastoqey Elder, Language Keeper, Ceremonial Leader, and co-founder of the Wolastoq Language and Culture Center) to discuss the profound connection between Indigenous language, identity, and wholistic wellness. She shares her personal journey of reclaiming her traditional name and language, detailing how ceremonies like traditional birthing and naming are powerful medicine for intergenerational healing.

Listen to Reclaiming Language and Identity and Mental Wellness with Opelahsomuwehs now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 🎧

03/21/2026

In recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, FPWC is pleased to share the French versions of our Anti-Indigenous Racism (AIR) Project resources.

The resources are available in both French and English at the link below:

📚 https://ow.ly/Rwiv50YwOlU

We are grateful to the Wolastoqey First Nation Mental Wellness Team and the Oeliangitasoltigo Mental Wellness Team for their partnership in this work. These resources support greater awareness, reflection, and action to address anti-Indigenous racism and help strengthen culturally safe mental wellness services.

03/14/2026

We're growing! 🚀 Join the FPWC team

We believe that work should align with your values. We’re looking for new voices and fresh perspectives to help us grow.

🔗 View roles & apply here: https://fpwc.ca/employment/

Apply now: 👇
• Workforce Development Lead (Parental Leave Coverage)
• Research, Evaluation & Policy Support Officer
• National Implementation Coordinator
• Policy Analyst

What We Offer: 🌟
• Competitive salary and generous benefits package.
• Stipend for remote work.
• Flexible remote work environment.
• Occasional travel within Canada.

03/14/2026

Join to hear from our Vice Chair Dr Ed Tecumseh Connors

Join us in a conversation with Dr. Ed “Tecumseh” Connors about Unity, Community & The Kinship Way.

Free Event!

Create an Account for Zoom link 🔗
https://thekinshipway.earth

03/14/2026

Thunderbird Partnership Foundation is a growing national non-profit organization serving First Nations across Canada in mental wellness. Consider joining our team! Check out our current career opportunities: https://thunderbirdpf.org/category/employment/

03/11/2026

Last week, FPWC held a Grant Proposal Writing Workshop in Sudbury, Ontario!

We were honoured to host First Nations community workers from across the province to learn about effective grant writing to bring inspiring community ideas to life. Powerful grant applications give voice to community priorities and open doors to meaningful, lasting impact. We extend our sincere thanks to the facilitators at Collective Results and to all participants for their engagement!

✨ This training was created based on the Grants and Proposals Toolkit that FPWC developed as part of the Gathering Our Knowledge Bundles project. For more information on the Grants and Proposals Toolkit, please visit our website: https://fpwc.ca/what-we-do/news/grants-and-proposals/

03/07/2026

On February 16-18, 2026, First Peoples Wellness Circle and Wapan Centre partnered together to co-host Weaving Wellness Together: A Regional Gathering on Mental Wellness and Addictions. 🪶

This gathering brought together Mental Wellness Workforce members from across Quebec, creating space to strengthen relationships, uplift the essential work of front-line helpers, and share wise practices rooted in community-led healing. Through meaningful conversations and shared experiences, participants explored collaboration and pathways to wellness and recovery.

Thank you to everyone who contributed their voices and knowledge to make this gathering impactful and inspiring. 💛

03/05/2026

We are proud to share “What Justice Looks Like: Understanding Inuit and Indigenous Scholars’ Experience”—an added report to the Anti-Indigenous Racism (AIR) Project—a First Nations-led initiative advancing cultural safety within healthcare systems.

🔗 https://fpwc.ca/what-we-do/news/what-justice-looks-like-new-insights/

Indigenous voices, particularly Inuit and Scholars, were centred and highlighted, as stories and knowledge were amalgamated into actionable recommendations to improve cultural safety and to support meaningful, respectful care of Indigenous peoples. This includes within mental wellness care, as well as the Universities that are responsible for supporting and training those providing care.

This work contributes to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and supports the creation of safer, more equitable healthcare systems for First Nations people from coast to coast to coast.