Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin

Anishnaabemowin Circle (Virtual Access)
2026-02-13 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-30 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Toronto) | Zoom
Anishnaabemowin Circle – Join the conversation
Elder, Hector Copegog will be leading an Anishnaabemowin Talking Circle,
every other Friday, starting January 16th, 2026 from 10:00am – 12:00pm
This virtual drop-in group is a space for supporting each other through a talking circle in the language.
Register here: https://survey.alchemer-ca.com/s3/50491811/Language-Class-registration-2026

If you have any questions, please email Lianne:
lhudon@banac.on.ca and she will coordinate with Elder, Hector

Digital Storytelling Workshop
2026-02-13 09:00 - 2026-02-15 15:00, 2026-02-12 09:00 - 2026-02-14 15:00, 2026-02-11 09:00 - 2026-02-13 15:00 | 110 Matchedash Street N, Orillia (Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin Match Hub), 110 Matchedash Street N, Orillia, Ontario, L3V 4T8, Canada
Aaniin, Everyone!
We are excited to share our next 3-day Digital Storytelling Workshop series designed to celebrate and amplify your voices through the power of digital media. This program offers a unique opportunity to learn storytelling techniques, explore digital tools, and connect with others in the community to share the stories that matter to you.
This could be an opportunity for loved ones to share their survivor story, during their journey with cancer for instance.
Maybe someone you know has overcome challenges in their life and looking to celebrate their successes.
Or maybe there is someone you know who would like to time capsule all those special moments with a loved one.
The opportunities are endless for the story they could tell.
Here are some samples of other stories to view: Community Story Strategies » Gallery
Please see attached flyer for the upcoming digital storytelling series, scheduled February 11th, 12th and 13th, 2026.
Location: Orillia, ON
Time: 9am-3pm (a light morning snack and lunch will be provided)
Register for the series here: https://survey.alchemer-ca.com/s3/50508715/Digital-Storytelling-Series-2026-Q4
Visit our website for other engagements/ upcoming workshops www.mamaway.ca/events
Contact Bawd with any additional questions via cell: (705) 826-0575 or email: belliott@banac.on.ca
Once registered, we will meet virtually over zoom on Weds, February 4th from 10:00-11:30am to go over what Digital storytelling is, and how we can help prepare you for the series. This will be an opportunity for you to ask questions as well.
But here is a bit more information to help you prepare for the upcoming series in the meantime if you choose to join us.
Each day, will include PowerPoint presentations sharing more information about the storytelling process and you will have time to work on your story supported by BANAC- Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin staff.
We will also share other digital stories with you to help inspire your creative process 😊
Feel free to explore this link in the meantime to view other DST stories: All series – Stories for Caregivers
Reviewing these videos will give you a feel for what you will be creating at the workshop.
Digital storytelling is not the same thing as film/video production.
During the workshop, you will:

share your story verbally with a group of other storytellers and receive/give input on the content
write a final script no more than 350 words in length – day 1
read and record this script as an audio file (solo via video camera audio) – day 2
choose/generate still pictures and short video clips to use in illustrating the story to support your voiceover; Day 2 & 3
And learn to use digital editing software that lets you combine these materials into a short (about two to four minutes long) digital story- throughout the 3 days

What to Expect: 📌 Hands-on training in digital storytelling
📌 Guidance from experienced mentors
📌 A space to share and preserve cultural narratives
📌 Supportive community engagement
Creating your own digital story will be personally exciting and is also a creative way to connect with others in the group.
Spots are limited, so be sure to register now; https://survey.alchemer-ca.com/s3/50508715/Digital-Storytelling-Series-2026-Q4
Email Bawd Elliott at belliott@banac.on.ca for more information.
We look forward to seeing your story unfold!

Sweetgrass Gathering Circle - Aftercare Peer Support
2026-02-12 17:00 - 18:30, 2026-02-05 17:00 - 18:30, 2026-01-29 17:00 - 18:30 | Ontario
Location: 110 Matchedash St N, OrilliaTime: Thursdays – Join in person at 5:00 PM for food and connection, or join virtually at 5:30 PM
The Sweetgrass Gathering Circle is a weekly hybrid peer support group for Indigenous adults actively engaged in recovery. Each session opens in a good way—with smudging, food, and community—and offers a safe, supportive space to build wellness, identity, and resilience.
Through a mix of cultural teachings, creative expression, group discussion, and meaningful connection, participants explore topics such as the Seven Grandfathers Teachings, Miikaans (Stages of Life), emotional awareness, gratitude, healthy boundaries, and cultural crafting.
Whether you’ve been part of WMS, ASEC, AA, or other recovery programs, this circle offers a space to stay grounded in recovery through culture and community.

Snow Shoeing at Sunnidale Park Barrie
2026-02-12 10:00 | Springwater Park, 1331 ON-26, Midhurst, Ontario, L0L 1X0, Canada
Come join Chris the Land Based Healing Coordinator and Amaru from the Barrie Native Friendship Center as the lead people on a snowshoe hike through Sunnidale Park. Starting on January 29th, 2026 at 10 am Weather Permitting. Please meet at the Dorian Parker Center Parking Area by 9:45 am. If you don’t have your own snowshoes we have some to lend you.

Red Road to Recovery Continuing Peer Support Group
2026-02-10 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-02-03 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-01-27 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtually

Building Our Bundles: Uplifting Your Spirit for Frontline Workers
2026-02-10 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-02-03 10:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-27 10:00 - 14:00 | 110 Matchedash St. N., 110 Matchedash St., N, Orillia, ON, L3V 4T8, Canada
Join Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin Life Promoters Courtney Thomas and Bawd Elliott for Building Our Bundles: Uplifting Your Spirit 6-week Series!
This series will provide a safe and supportive space to connect with each other and explore a range of topics related to cultural teachings and building your own bundle. By participating in the program, it will provide you with the tools and resources you need to help you live a good life!
Here is the breakdown of the 6-week Series and what we will be doing each week:

Week 1: What’s in Your Bundle?: What is a bundle? Bundle teachings.

Week 2: Four Sacred Medicines: Teachings about the four sacred medicines and harvesting.

Week 3: Shaker: What are shakers for?

Week 4: Eagle Feather Teachings: Eagle feather dressing and teachings.

Week 5: Ribbon Skirt/Shirt Teachings: Why do we wear ribbon skirts and ribbon skirts?

Week 6: Feast Your Bundles: Potluck Feast! Bring your favorite dish to share!

Throughout the 6 weeks, participants will make a bundle bag, smudge kit, medicine bags, dress a feather, a feather case, a shaker, ribbon skirts/shirts and lastly, bring their favorite dish to feast their bundles.
The series will run every Tuesday from 10:00am – 2:00pm in Orillia.
Click link to register: https://survey.alchemer-ca.com/s3/50491431/Building-Our-Bundles-Uplifting-Your-Spirit-Q4-2026
If you have any questions, please reach out to Courtney Thomas at cthomas@banac.on.ca or Bawd Elliott at belliott@banac.on.ca

Barrie Walking Group
2026-02-10 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-03 08:00 - 17:00 | Johnson’s Beach Parking lot, 2 Johnson St, Barrie, ON, L4M 1E1
Come join Chris and Amaru for a Barrie Walking Group along Barrie’s waterfront. Starting at 10 on Tuesday mornings from the Johnson’s Beach parking lot.

Beaded Fringe Earring Workshop
2026-02-06 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-05 09:00 - 12:00 | 110 Matchedash Street N, Orillia (Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin Match Hub), 110 Matchedash Street N, Orillia, Ontario, L3V 4T8, Canada
Join Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin and Orillia Native Women’s Group for a Beaded Fringe Earring Workshop on Thursday, February 5th & Friday, February 6th, 2026 from 9:00am to 12:00pm in Orillia! **10 spots available**
Click here to register: https://survey.alchemer-ca.com/s3/50501692/Beaded-Fringe-Earring-Workshop-2026
If you have any questions, please contact Courtney Thomas at cthomas@banac.on.ca or 1-705-795-3371 or Ashley Porte at aht@onwg.net

Pow Wow Family Fun Nights!
2026-02-05 17:30 - 20:00 | Rama Community Hall, 5950 Rama Rd, Rama, Ontario, Canada
In collaboration with Chippewas of Rama First Nation and Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin, we invite you all to join us for “Pow Wow Family Fun Nights” starting Thursday, December 4th, 2025, at the Rama Community Hall at 5:00pm!
This drop-in style event will showcase and teach various styles of dance that you would see at a pow wow. We will have Oshki Gnebig Mnis Youth Drum practicing with a couple dancers in regalia each evening to showcase their style of dance and will be available to show any of our community members how to dance. If you have regalia that you would like to wear, you are more than welcome to bring it to dance with.
We will be having a potluck style dinner starting at 5:30pm! If you are able to, bring your favorite dish to contribute to the potluck.
Time:

5:30pm – 6:30pm – Pot Luck Dinner
6:30pm – 8:00pm – Dancing & Singing

Location: Rama Community Hall (5950 Rama Rd, Rama, ON)
Dates:

December 4th & December 18th,2025
January 8th & January 22nd, 2026
February 5th & February 19th, 2026

If you have any questions, please reach out to me at cthomas@banac.on.ca or 1-705-795-3371 or Stephanie at stephaniem@ramafirstnation.ca or 1-705-325-3611 ext 1429

Making Anishnaabe style Moccasins
2026-02-05 09:00 - 16:00 | 110 Matchedash St. N., 110 Matchedash St., N, Orillia, ON, L3V 4T8, Canada
Come join Chris to learn how to make your own Anishnaabe style Moccasins on Feb 5th, 2026. Starting at 9 am until 4 pm. This will be an all day workshop of hand sewing, must have strong hands to complete.

Naakshik Aniibiishaaboo Evening Tea
2026-02-04 18:00 - 20:00 | 110 Matchedash St. N., 110 Matchedash St., N, Orillia, ON, L3V 4T8, Canada
Join us each week as we explore various teas—from calming blends that promote restful sleep and relaxation, to herbal infusions that support stress relief, immune health, cold and flu recovery, pain and inflammation reduction, digestive balance, bloating relief, heart and circulatory wellness, and liver and kidney function.
February 4th
Day and Time: Wednesdays @ 6 PM
Location: Orillia

Please click on this link to register. Naakshik Aniibiishaaboo Evening Tea JAN 21st
Thanks a bunch!

Penetanguishene Red Road to Recovery Group
2026-02-03 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-01-27 13:00 - 15:00 | Georgian Bay Native Womens Association 41 Main St. Penetanguishene, ON, 41 Main St., Penetanguishene, ON
A 10-week program that uses the Medicine Wheel as a teaching tool and our Indigenous approach to healing to address the Physical, Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual aspects of addiction and mental health recovery.

Indigenous Pathways to a Healthy Diet
2026-01-30 13:00 - 17:00 | 110 Matchedash St. N., 110 Matchedash St., N, Orillia, ON, L3V 4T8, Canada
Indigenous Pathways to a Healthy Diet. Understanding and healing your body’s relationship with food
would like to announce we are partnering with Bridget Foley (Anung Kwe) of Babaamaazkonenjike Counselling Service to bring to you a 4 hour workshop to help address the dietary needs of indigenous people. Using a two eyed seeing approach to weight loss, Bridget shares knowledge on how to fuel the body to decrease cravings, achieve sustainable weight loss, and address self sabotaging thoughts and behaviors, while promoting balanced living that incorporates indigenous knowledge and teachings.
Date: January 30th
Time: 1pm to 5pm
Location: Orillia
Register for this workshop by clicking here –> Indigenous Pathways to a Healthy Diet
Chi Miigwech and Baa Maa Pii.

Cornerstones of prevention (virtual diabetes presentation)
2026-01-30 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Good day,
BANAC- Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin is pleased to share that we have partnered with the Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle (IDHC) to offer this Diabetes screening education session virtually being held on Friday, January 30th, 2026 during lunch 12:00-1:00pm. This is a virtual opportunity to learn more about diabetes prevention, “Cornerstones of prevention”.
A presentation designed to help individuals who are living with type 2 diabetes make sustainable lifestyle changes, focusing on healthy eating, physical activity, and primarily on self-management strategies to prevent or reduce further complications of diabetes. Laura McPherson, our Mamaway Diabetes Educator/RN will be co-facilitating with Lindsey Cosh from IDHC to share information about the importance of diabetes screening and how we can take our own health in our hands by taking part in these annual screenings (Kidney, Eyes, Foot Care, Blood Glucose/A1C).
This workshop has been designed for front line workers supporting those living with diabetes as well as for community members who want to learn more about proactive care.
Register here: https://soadi.wufoo.com/forms/foot-care-virtual-programming-registration/
Feel free to share this registration link with those who would benefit from attending this virtual session.
Additionally, IDHC has recently launched an online eLearning portal for community members to enhance their diabetes knowledge bundle. Registration for the fundamentals of diabetes knowledge course here: https://idhctrainingplatform.thinkific.com/courses/Diabetes-101
A 60-minute self guided course to help better understand the bodies endocrine system as well as diabetes support & management. This could be useful information before attending to the “Cornerstone of Diabetes” session, if you have time to review before the session. (Optional)
For more Mamaway engagements, visit us here: www.mamaway.ca/events
For more information contact Lianne at lhudon@banac.on.ca or Lindsey at lindseycosh@idhc.life.
Once registered, the zoom link will be shared with you closer to the virtual engagement.
Have a good day!

Snow Shoeing at Springwater Park
2026-01-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Springwater Park, 1331 ON-26, Midhurst, Ontario, L0L 1X0, Canada

Naakshik Aniibiishaaboo Evening Tea
2026-01-28 18:00 - 20:00 | 110 Matchedash St. N., 110 Matchedash St., N, Orillia, ON, L3V 4T8, Canada
Join us each week as we explore various teas—from calming blends that promote restful sleep and relaxation, to herbal infusions that support stress relief, immune health, cold and flu recovery, pain and inflammation reduction, digestive balance, bloating relief, heart and circulatory wellness, and liver and kidney function.
January 28th
Day and Time: Wednesdays @ 6 PM
Location: Orillia

Please click on this link to register. Naakshik Aniibiishaaboo Evening Tea JAN 21st
Thanks a bunch!

BNFC Foot Care Screening Event
2026-01-28 10:00 - 16:00 | Ontario
Good day,
Join us at the foot care screening event in Barrie. A community event to educate, spread awareness, and prevent/reduce diabetic foot complications for urban-Indigenous people in the region.
See tentative schedule below for the day.
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Foot care screenings
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Diabetes Education (Lunch & Learn)
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Foot care screenings
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Nutritional bingo
Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin – Foot Care nurse/diabetes educator, and nutritional bingo
BNFC – Taylor Grisdale – Foot care screening
Spirit Fit (Scott Simpson) – reflexologist
Think Feet (Calista Laviola) – chiropodist
We hope to see you there, please register through Taylor for this upcoming screening event so she can prepare accordingly.

Addiction Support & Education Circle
2026-01-27 10:00 - 12:00 | 110 Matchedash St. N., 110 Matchedash St., N, Orillia, ON, L3V 4T8, Canada
Connect, share, and learn in a safe, supportive circle. Join us in Orillia at 110 Matchedash St. N. or from the comfort of your own home over Zoom. Open to all, Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants.
Please click the link below to register
