August 29, 2024 – The Sharing Our Stories to Help Each program, also known as the S.O.S program, has been working with men who are seeking connection to culture, community, and ceremony. The S.O.S program, which has been funded by the Province of Ontario, has been busy the last five months attending ceremonies, participating in the Sharing Circles, building their bundles, and attending the Warrior Program. The goal is to ensure they have the support needed to begin and maintain their healing journeys.
The S.O.S program started in April and has been providing weekly workshops, sharing circles, and programming. The sharing circles occur biweekly, and this is an opportunity for the men to share their struggles, triumphs, and healing journey. The men provide support to one another and share their lived experiences to encourage the others to keep going. For the men, they have mentioned having a support system has helped them feel part of a community.
The S.O.S program also provides transportation and access to sweat lodge ceremonies at least once a month. With our partnership with the Anishnaabe Thunderbird Sundance of Ontario, we have been able to have regular access to ceremonies including Spring Equinox and summer solstice ceremonies, fasting camps, tipi teachings, and the Sundance ceremony.
The Sundance Ceremony was a great success for the program as 5 of our men danced for the full days as well as pierced, dragged, or flew. This was the first time that they attended a Sundance and after the Sundance, there was a shift in the energy that illuminated when they completed the four days. One expressed that being part of the Sundance family was the first time they felt as sense of family as he grew up involved in Child and Family Services.
The men also started building their bundles to help them in the healing journey. To date, they have built their smudge kits, and have made rattles and drums. They attend the bi-weekly Warrior program facilitated by Kevin Myran of Toronto Council Fire. The Warrior program speaks to the Seven Grandfather Teachings and how they can incorporate these teachings into their daily lives.
Moving forward, the men will be attending fasting camp and attending the Culturally Appropriate Program (CAP). The CAP program has been recognized as an evidence-based program that was developed by ALS’s Executive Director when employed with Manitoba Justice. CAP looks at pre-contact life, colonization, the current conditions of themselves, their families, community, and healing. Finally, the S.O.S program will be having an open house on October 19, 2024, at the 1614 Bloor Street West sub-office. The S.O.S men look forward to seeing you there.
Chantell Barker