The Dauphin Friendship Centre is hosting Healing Drum Circles centered around grief and loss.
Using her knowledge gained from experience, as well as courses for her Masters in Social Work for Indegenous Trauma and Resilience through the Univerisity of Toronto, MSW ITR student Cynthia Genaille says the nights will focus on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual components of grief.
"It is our belief in Anishinabek culture that in order for holistic healing, you need to include every part of human being, which includes their spirit. Obviously the mind, obviously what's going on in their heart, how they're feeling, and then their physical health and wellness," said Genaille.
The sessions are limited to 12 members, and have already filled up, though more may be held in the future. Genaille said smaller sessions were created strategically.
"We have to consider the heaviness of the topic we are covering, we have to consider people being triggered, and I need to be able to make everyone is safe, and I'm doing this in a trauma informed way," said Genaille.
Though she has an academic knowledge of the science behind grief and loss, she is also using personal experiences with healing to help others.
"That is how I dealt with my grief and loss, was turning to my culture and learning all these things...I did a lot of ceremony, I learned from a lot of other people in the community and Elders around me," said Genaille.
The sessions are being hosted at the Dauphin Friendship Centre over the coming weeks. Genaille said if there is enough interest, there is a possibility of hosting more sessions in the future.
