Leadership for Life Promotion Feather Carriers Leadership for Life Promotion

The Feather Carriers: Leadership for Life Promotion program is comprised of a community mobilization strategy founded on Indigenous concepts of life promotion, and a year long Indigenous life promotion training. A Paradigm Shift

The vision for this initiative came out of a relationship to the land, and requests from FNMI individuals and communities in the region of North Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka, who were looking for additional supports and resources related to suicide prevention. As a result the year- long Feather Carriers: Leadership for Life Promotion training was developed by our Founders, with support from local Indigenous communities, and Indigenous organizations, such as the Bimaadziwin Mental Health and Addictions Planning Circle, Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle and the Enaahtig Mental Health Outreach Team. Introduction

The Founders Zahgausgai, John Rice Dr. Debby Wilson Danard Dr. Ed Connors Dr. Debby Wilson Danard Ojibwa/Anishinabeninni, Mukwa dodem, from Wasauksing First Nation near Parry Sound. Student of the Miikaans Teaching and shares his teachings that highlight the journey through life as an experiential journey where the individual achieves B'saani-- Bamaadisiwin through the understanding of the relationship between the physical, mental and spiritual. Dr. Ed Connors established Onkwatenro'Shon:’A Health Planners, a health care consulting firm for First Nations communities. He has done a lot of work consulting, training and presenting on mental health and wellness across Canada. He has authored and co-authored numerous papers and served on several Boards and Committees and is a member of the Elder Advisory Committee Enaahtig Healing Lodge and Learning Centre. Anishinaabekwe, Namay dodem, from Northwestern Ontario, and member of the Rainy River First Nation. Traditional Knowledge practitioner & Life Promotion Ambassador. Owns Union Star Consulting Life Teachings Lodge (www.unionstar.org). Life Promotion Ogitchidaw.

Collectively, the Feather Carriers life promotion training is an approach that speaks to the heart and minds of people working with individuals and families who are at risk of premature death, as well as supporting loss survivors. Gathered from all directions, Feather Carriers brings the knowledge and experience of the whole community into practice. It builds on the values and belief that in this present time; life is worth living. As such, this training is meant to develop community leaders who will help promote life and prevent premature death. From this place of strength and resiliency the voice of the life spirit is heard in the stories of the attempt and loss survivors who continue to walk the path of mino bimaadiziwin. It also involves respecting our ancestors who have left through the western doorway before us, and are sending into the future the message of the seven grandfathers to have wisdom, love, courage, truth, respect, humility, and honesty as we walk in balance on mino bimaadiziwin miikane. Our Vision

Youth Program Curriculum development by Kendra Keetch under the direction and mentorship of the Founders, Feather Carriers Youth Leadership for Life was born as a response to Indigenous Youth demonstrating a need for a culturally centered, youth focused program with a community knowledge approach that focuses on life promotion instead of suicide prevention. Studies suggest that further evaluation is needed because there are potential risks for students who have participated in the traditional gatekeeper (suicide prevention) trainings.

Feather Carriers provides youth with leadership training focusing from a strengths based prespective. Individuals who participate will be stronger, healthier, more resilient and responsible and have the confidence in themselves and their support networks to promote life in their communities and bring youth and families back to the cultural practices that have been carried by their people through since time immemorial.  Youth Program cont.

Miikaans (Little Roads) Good Life.​ Fast Life.​ Wondering/Wandering Life.​ Getting Ready Life.​ Doing Life.​ Knowledge Gathering Life.​ Pure Life.

We Strive to Answer… Who am I? Where do I come from? What is my purpose?  Where am I going? Answering these questions helps us identify feelings of Hope, Belonging, Meaning and Purpose. Outcomes of the year long Feather Carriers training are: Understanding the Feather teachings Sharing knowledge, demonstrating commitment A readiness and capacity to respond to those who are at risk of falling off their life path Development of projects focusing on life promotion, leadership and responsibility We Strive to Answer…

Reflections Walking the Little Roads

Storytelling Supporting the foundation of Feather Carriers is the concept of using stories to bridge the gaps where we are at risk of falling off of our life path. Storytelling not only enhances our listening skills, it also supports the natural intelligence of the listener to make there own choices based on what they are learning.

Miigwetch For more information: www.feathercarriers.com Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, Friend us on Facebook, or email us at lpd@banac.on.ca or clp@banac.on.ca The work cited and teachings reflected within this material are those received from Dr. Debby Wilson Danard, Dr. Ed Connors and Knowledge Keeper John Rice. The co-founders of Feather Carriers, our teachers, our elders and the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework.