The Connect Event is an annual gathering that provides participants with opportunities to better understand the strengths and contributions of the Indigenous community in Calgary and surrounding areas.

The theme for this year’s Connect Event is “Aksistooyiipaitapissin (the thing that motivates someone to stay alive–hope).” Conversations will focus on:

Decolonizing mental health practices

Reclaiming Ceremony during trying times

Addressing holistic care models to overcome trauma

Participants of the Connect Event will put those into practice so that various sectors can experience what decolonized practice could look like in the work they do.

Spurred by the pandemic, recovery of Indigenous children at residential schools, and increasing attention to social justice issues across Turtle Island for Indigenous people, many community members have been called on to provide healing and wellbeing to others. Encouraging new models will increase success and provide greater outcomes for all.

During this one-day event, taking place September 22, participants will have the opportunity to:

Listen to expert keynote speakers discuss decolonized mental health

Critically examine the ways we implement mental health models for Indigenous community members

Participate in learning circles with Elders and community members (archery, purification, art, and challenge courses)

Implement strategies to make changes and support Indigenous community members in an ongoing way.

Registrations are closed

13th Annual Connect Event