Dehcho First Nations will be hosting a 30-day healing program called Nezųh Aoht’é Gha Edek’eh Eghálaęhnda (Journey to My Best Self).
In a news release, DFN says the program is to “help participants overcome barriers related to mental health and addictions by being rooted in holistic and cultural ways of understanding.”
“This 30-day program is helping to re-strengthen our inner spirit to be the best we can as Dene,” says Gladys Norwegian, Dehcho Grand Chief.
(Poster courtesy of Dehcho First Nations)
The program will begin on-the-land near Ekali Lake in Tthets’éhk’edélı (Jean Marie River) First Nation territory before moving to Kátł’odeeche First Nation’s Dene Wellness Centre.
Beth Hudson, DFN’s regional on-the-land coordinator, says extra precautions will be taken to follow the office of the chief public health officer’s COVID-19 guidelines.
“With the program taking place both inside and outside, we will only be operating with a max of 25 individuals (participants and staff included) at all times and are aiming to ensure a bubble of safety,” she says. “This means that we have enough spots for representation from, ideally, all communities in the Dehcho region and any communities partnering on this with us.”
Shakes the Dust Hope Consulting will be facilitating the program. Applications open this week and will last until February 19.
To apply, interested applicants can contact Hudson or Kristen Tanche, the health and wellness coordinator.
The program is tentatively scheduled to run from Mar. 20 to Apr. 18.
