The First Nations University (FNU) of Canada brought together staff from the Family Treatment Program and other community organizations in Regina to connect through ceremony.

Paige Wells and Patti Petrucka took part in the FNU gathering on October 9^th, strengthening their connection with the university and learning more about Indigenous ceremony.

The FNU pipe ceremony was the first Paige has been part of, but it won’t be the last.

“It was really beautiful,” she said of the ceremony. “I left feeling intrigued and wanting to know more.”

The invitation to attend the ceremony was extended to both Paige and Patti for their previous work and connection to the university, hosting practicum students in years previous. Paige said it was a great opportunity to reconnect with the post-secondary school and to continue to build a relationship.

Approximately 20 people from nearly half a dozen community-based organizations took part in the intimate ceremony, learning more about the pipe and hearing stories shared by elders. Paige said the morning was enlightening and helped her further realize the importance of spiritual health in the lives of her clients and families.

“We really support the mental health and the physical health of people but we’re often missing that spiritual connection, and research shows how important that spiritual component really is when working with people who have experienced trauma,” she explained. “I truly believe that when we’re in this field of work we should be incorporating not only our clinical practices but traditional means of healing as well.”

“We work with such diverse communities, so I think it’s really important that we are always striving to be culturally competent,” she continued. “A lot of what we do is clinically based but some of our clients have a negative history with psychologists or social workers, so if we can incorporate some of their traditional healing and ceremony it’s a step toward healing the effects of colonization and working toward truth and reconciliation.”

The pipe ceremony at FNU not only left Paige inspired, but it provided opportunity for her to connect with her clients. The FTP therapist explained that when she shared with families about her experience at the FNU, they too began sharing their own stories and experiences.

“I just think it was a really great experience and I encourage others if they have a similar opportunity to take it,” said Paige. 

The Family Treatment Program works with families to help improve family safety, family functioning and child-wellbeing after having children in care. Click here, to learn more about the program.