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The PSR Manitoba Chapter hosted a Naming Ceremony on October 8, 2024, under the leadership of Elder Vern Dano as an expression of PSR Manitoba’s intention to work collaboratively alongside Indigenous communities in supporting professional development. PSR Manitoba and PSR Canada are in consultation to provide culturally informed, recovery-oriented resources and best practices for mental health and addictions across the province of Manitoba. 

Naming PSR Manitoba serves as an act of reclamation of the language. PSR Manitoba will include the name gifted in all documents to serve as an act of respect and manifest a collective responsibility of intent for Indigenous cultural inclusion. 

To work in alignment with PSR Canada’s value of Intercultural Sensitivity, recognizing that culture and diversity are central to recovery and striving to ensure that all services and supports are culturally relevant to individuals receiving services and support. 

To work in alignment with the PSR Canada value of Belonging, practicing full inclusion of people in recovery into their communities, where they can exercise their rights of citizenship, accept responsibility and explore the opportunities that come with being a member of a community and a larger society. 

What is a pipe ceremony?

The pipe is very sacred to First Nations people and has historically been used to open negotiations between different nations as a symbol of peace and goodwill. The pipe ceremony is a place for truthful, respectful conversation to take place and for agreements to be made. The tobacco in the pipe is traditionally blessed through prayer and then passed around the circle, starting with the pipe carrier. The pipe carrier says prayers to the seven cardinal points and then passes the pipe around several times. To close the ceremony, each member of the circle might speak a few words of gratitude. This ceremony is used to encourage truthful, respectful conversation and deliberation.

More about PSR Manitoba

PSR Manitoba is a chapter within PSR Canada. PSR Canada is a grassroots organization that provides core competencies for a community of practice for individuals and organizations dedicated to the values, principles, and delivery of recovery-based services. A scientific committee compiles these core competencies to ensure that resources are accessible to support recovery tools of psychosocial rehabilitation. 

PSR Manitoba intends to support professional development and procure further resources to add to the PSR Canada library to lead and support core competencies development across Canada. 

Competencies-of-Practice-for-Canadian-Recovery_2nd-Ed-2017.pdf (psrrpscanada.ca)

PSR Canada Slide Deck (psrrpscanada.ca)

Calls to Action response

  • We call upon the federal government to acknowledge that Aboriginal rights include Aboriginal language rights.  
  • Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action as the first resource in the PSR Canada library.
  • Procure further resources to add to the PSR Canada library to lead and support core competencies development across Canada. Access to: Developing culturally appropriate curricula.
  • We call upon those who can effect change within the Canadian healthcare system to recognize the value of Aboriginal healing practices and use them in the treatment of Aboriginal patients in collaboration with Aboriginal healers and Elders where requested by Aboriginal patients.
  • Progress on closing the gaps between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities in a number of health indicators such as infant mortality, maternal health, suicide, mental health, addictions, life expectancy, birth rates, infant and child health issues, chronic diseases, illness and injury incidence, and the availability of appropriate health services.

    Image result for Authentic Native American Peace Pipes

Outcome

Waa/se/yii/gi/zi (bright)
Waa/bi/zii  (swan)
Bi/mis/se/win (flying)
Nin/gaa/bii’/ an (west)

Bright, we can see how beautiful people are “sparkling” -hopeful for their next transition, we carry a belief it is possible, we believe that people are experts of themselves, and we honour their experiences we listen, see, and do our best to understand and offer our best to those we serve. When you start thinking differently and opening yourself to the energies all around, you will know differently, see differently. 

The Swan here symbolizes transformation and resilience, showing how people go through tough, sometimes “ugly” phases but have the potential to grow into something beautiful. As a community, we recognize that everyone has struggles, yet we see their inner strength and beauty. Rather than trying to “fix” people, we support and believe in them as they find their way and become their own version of a “swan.”

Flying West symbolizes letting go of past trauma—let it set like the sun. It’s about honouring the hard times and moving forward, always reflecting on whether we’re showing up authentically in our work. This direction also represents personal growth across all areas: emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual. It’s about striving for balance, ensuring we’re aligned with our values, and continually learning from each other as we grow. The colours—white, red, yellow, and black—hint at inclusivity and respecting diversity within the community. Overall, it’s a reminder to support each other with kindness, faith, hope, an openness to change, and encouragement to rest when needed.

PSR Canada Members of the Manitoba Chapter can access a recording of the ceremony by navigating the Manitoba Chapter’s resource on PSR Canada’s portal.

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