Gatherings Are Our Ceremony

For Métis individuals, finding a path that ties together their unique cultural identity and supports intergenerational healing can be difficult. Many communities lack appropriate programming, leading to a loss of belonging and connection with the community.

There is a need for educational programming that not only shares Métis history, teachings and traditions, but engages individuals in activities in a thoughtful and safe manner. 

This is a challenge that the Miywasin Friendship Centre in Medicine Hat, Alberta, is undertaking using a strategic and creative approach. Education is the path toward reconciliation, so their new program, Spirit Evolution Life Skills Development Equine Assisted Learning, was created. A series of equine-assisted learning and cultural education workshops, Healing with Horses will provide Métis participants with the opportunity to partner with horses as teachers and healers. Participants will take part in experiential exercises through activities that promote emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual balance. Guided by Elders, cultural education will be woven throughout the program, which will run over 16 months and include 13 workshops for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) is providing funding for Equine Assisted Learning to support the facilitation of an initiative that is fun and engaging in its approach to educating participants on Indigenous values. The IRF’s support will reinforce Indigenous worldviews and teachings, helping individuals walk away from the experience with strength of spirit and feeling inspired to make meaningful change based on a better understanding of who they are and where they came from.

Diocese of Calgary