A 5-Day Interactive Workshop for First Nations Adults
In-Person or Virtual | Fully Customizable
Healthy Relationships is a practical, interactive workshop designed specifically for First Nations adults. This program explores how relationships function across workplaces, families, friendships, romantic partnerships, and community life, while acknowledging the unique realities, pressures, and histories that shape relationships in First Nations communities.
Participants examine how communication, boundaries, trust, accountability, lateral violence, trauma responses, and cultural expectations influence relationships — and learn tools to create healthier, safer, and more respectful connections in all areas of life.
This is not a lecture-based program. Learning happens through real-life scenarios, reflection exercises, group discussions, and hands-on activities participants can immediately apply.
Who This Workshop Is For
- First Nations adults
- Community members
- Band and organization staff
- Parents and caregivers
- Leadership and frontline workers
- Anyone seeking healthier personal and professional relationships
Program Overview
Relationships impact every part of our lives — our mental health, our work, our families, and our communities. This workshop creates space to understand relationship patterns, explore where they come from, and learn how to move forward in healthier ways.
The program addresses:
- Relationship dynamics shaped by lived experience and history
- How trauma, stress, and burnout show up in communication
- Accountability without shame
- Repairing harm and rebuilding trust
- Creating balance between personal needs and community expectations
Participants leave with practical tools, greater self-awareness, and increased confidence in navigating relationships.
What Makes This Workshop Different
- 100% First Nations–focused
- Designed specifically for adult learners
- Addresses community and workplace dynamics, not just individual relationships
- Trauma-informed and non-judgmental
- Interactive, engaging, and grounded in real experiences
- Applicable to home, work, and community life
5-Day Workshop Breakdown
Day 1 – Understanding Relationships & Our Lived Experiences
Theme: Where We’re Coming From
Key Focus Areas
- What “healthy relationships” really mean (beyond surface-level ideas)
- Types of relationships we navigate daily:
- Workplace
- Family
- Romantic
- Friendships
- Community and leadership
- How colonization, residential schools, intergenerational trauma, and systemic barriers have shaped relationship patterns
- Normalizing survival behaviours vs. harmful behaviours
- Personal values and expectations in relationships
Interactive Activities
- Relationship mapping exercise
- Group discussion: “What feels hardest about relationships in our community?”
- Values reflection worksheet
Day 2 – Communication, Triggers & Emotional Awareness
Theme: Understanding Reactions Before Responding
Key Focus Areas
- Communication styles (passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive, assertive)
- Emotional triggers and where they come from
- How stress, trauma, and burnout affect communication
- Miscommunication in small communities
- Intent vs. impact
- Listening to understand, not to respond
Interactive Activities
- Real-life scenario role-plays
- Trigger identification activity
- Active listening exercises
Day 3 – Boundaries, Respect & Accountability
Theme: Protecting Peace Without Guilt
Key Focus Areas
- What boundaries are — and what they are not
- Cultural expectations vs. personal limits
- Saying no without shame
- Boundaries in:
- Workplaces
- Families
- Romantic relationships
- Friendships
- Community roles
- Accountability vs. blame
- Respecting others’ boundaries even when we disagree
Interactive Activities
- Boundary-setting scripts practice
- Group scenarios: “What would a healthy boundary look like here?”
- Personal boundary plan worksheet
Day 4 – Conflict, Lateral Violence & Repairing Relationships
Theme: Addressing Harm Without Causing More Harm
Key Focus Areas
- Understanding lateral violence and where it comes from
- Gossip, silence, avoidance, and behind-the-scenes conflict
- Conflict styles and escalation patterns
- Responding instead of reacting
- Repairing relationships after harm
- When to fix, when to pause, when to walk away
Interactive Activities
- Conflict de-escalation practice
- Community-based scenario discussions
- Accountability and repair exercise
Day 5 – Healthy Futures & Stronger Connections
Theme: Moving Forward Differently
Key Focus Areas
- Identifying healthy vs. unhealthy relationship patterns
- Red flags and green flags across all relationship types
- Building trust and consistency
- Choosing healthy connections
- Personal responsibility in relationship change
- Creating a personal Healthy Relationship Commitment
Interactive Activities
- Personal action plan
- Group reflection circle
- Commitment worksheet participants take home
Fully Customizable to Community Needs
While typically delivered as a 5-day workshop, this program is fully customizable. Communities can choose:
- Consecutive or flexible scheduling
- In-person or virtual delivery
- Delivery for community members, staff teams, or mixed groups
- Adjusted pacing based on participant needs
We work closely with each community to ensure the program reflects local priorities, realities, and objectives.
First Nations–Focused & Trauma-Informed
This workshop is delivered with a deep understanding of the unique relational dynamics in First Nations communities, including:
- Intergenerational trauma
- Close community and workplace relationships
- Cultural expectations and responsibilities
- The need for safe, respectful, non-judgmental learning spaces
Participants are never forced to share personal experiences. Choice, respect, and safety are central to the delivery.
Why Communities Bring This Workshop In
Communities choose Healthy Relationships because it:
- Strengthens communication and respect
- Reduces conflict and lateral violence
- Supports healthier workplaces and families
- Builds accountability without blame
- Supports mental wellness and emotional regulation
- Creates safer, more connected communities
Why Funders Support This Program
Funders value this workshop because it:
- Supports mental health and wellness
- Builds life and workplace skills
- Encourages accountability and healthy decision-making
- Reduces barriers to employment and participation
- Aligns with prevention, wellness, and community capacity funding priorities
Outcomes Participants Can Expect
Participants often leave with:
- Greater self-awareness and emotional regulation
- Stronger communication skills
- Clearer boundaries and confidence setting them
- Improved ability to manage conflict
- Healthier relationships at work, home, and in community
Bring Healthy Relationships to Your Community
If your community is seeking a practical, respectful, First Nations–focused workshop that supports healthier relationships and stronger connections, Healthy Relationships: Building Respect, Trust, and Balance in Our Livesoffers meaningful, lasting impact.
