Kanó:ron Koniá:wi
The Sacred Gift
Indigenous Cultural Safety and Anti-Racism Program
Understanding & Competency
Unite Your Learning with Living
“The Sacred Gift” is a socially conscious program rooted in a deep understanding of Indigenous epistemology and communication. The gift we offer is a strong foundation of Indigenous knowledge developed by a gathering of culturally responsible, grassroots individuals. This program will give you an opportunity to choose a path that leads to the awareness and competency you need, in order to safely, respectfully and confidently engage with members of Indigenous communities.
Transformative & Interactive
From a Place of Authenticity & Compassion
“The Sacred Gift” is for participants who are willing to learn. We accept you at any stage of your development; the only requirement is an open mind. This is an opportunity for you to participate in an experience that is transformative and interactive. We will help you address the areas of learning that you may find uncomfortable; and we will work to empower you to move beyond any potential barriers. Together we will strive to make a positive change, and move forward to capacity and relationship building. In this spirit, we offer you a safe place to learn how to appreciate, value and respect the sharing of Indigenous Knowledge, and the diversity of Indigenous Communities.
The Gift
What you walk away with
After you develop a foundational understanding of Universal Indigenous ways of knowing and being, you will be better prepared to engage with Indigenous peoples respectfully and with more confidence. This understanding will also give you the opportunity to choose a path that leads to transformation. Those who have committed to this experience report that their discoveries have had a ripple effect, which has improved relationships in the workplace, in public and at home. Kanó:ron Koniá:wi: “The Sacred Gift” allows you to “see” things that you did not see before, while taking part in a socially conscious initiative that is committed to language revitalization, dedicated to creating jobs, and inclusive of people with different abilities.
Program Material
Three levels, consisting of four modules each, are delivered online with interactive Talking Circles. Upon completing all three levels participants will receive a certificate and pin.
The Sacred Gift program includes regular “Talking Circle Check-ins” utilizing synchronous web-conferencing. Talking Circles support your learning within the online curriculum at each stage of The Sacred Gift experience. Talking Circle discussions, with trained Indigenous Facilitators, provide a deeper understanding of our connection to each other and are expected to enhance our understanding of reconciliation at every level of the journey to Indigenous Cultural Competency.
Begin the Journey
Purchase the entire program and receive your ICST full certification today for only $ 499. Alternatively you can purchase each level for $195. Of note – each level (A.C.E.) is a prerequisite for the next. Upon registration you will receive an email and access to the program. We encourage you to register for your online talking circles right away to reserve your space.
To register Email: bearwatersgathering@outlook.com or contact 905-975-6423
Awareness
To establish a foundational understanding
1. Truth and Reconciliation – Welcoming Circle
2. Indigenous Languages and Respectful Terminology
3. Diversity and Pluralism: Pan-Indigenous Explored
4. Indigi-story: Savage and Uncivilized, Decolonizing our “Shared History”
Includes 8 hours of online study and 2-hour Circle Check-in with Indigenous Facilitator
Participants will receive a certificate and lapel pin upon completion
Competency
To Build on knowledge and concepts
5. Re-empowering Ourselves and Creating Balance – Foundations for Indigenous and Canadian Healing
6. Stereotypes and Misconceptions: "Exploring Our Good Mind"
7. Indigenous Movements and Current Issues
8. Mother Earth’s Lands and Nations
Includes 8 hours of online study and 2-hour Circle Check-in with an Indigenous Facilitator
Participants will receive a certificate and lapel pin upon completion
Engagement
To put into practice the skills you developed
9. Treaties and Fiduciary Duty
10. The Indian Act: Abolish, Change, or Keep?
11. Engagement and Protocols
12. ABCs: Action to Ally, Building Bridges and Creating Community
13. Reconciliation: “Sken:nen” – More Than Just Peace
Includes 8 hours of online study and 2-hour Circle Check-in with an Indigenous Facilitator
Participants will receive a certificate and lapel pin upon completion
IN-PERSON GROUP TRAINING
Looking to book for a group of 12 or more? We can come to you!
Bear Waters Gathering facilitators, Elder Strength Dale, Mohawk of Six Nations, and Amanda Dale, Mi’kmaq, present this holistic and story-based workshop to bring you a deeper understanding of Indigenous world views. Experience the connection we have to each other and develop a greater awareness of your role in the reconciliation process. Don’t forget to ask about our group rates.