Walking is a great form of exercise and it’s free! Commit to getting healthier by taking our 30-day walking challenge! A complete list of instructions will be emailed to you once you register online. The individual who accumulates the most steps by the end of the 30-day Challenge will win a $100 gift card to Sport Check and there will also be a draw for a $25 gift card winner! Happy Walking!

Do you enjoy Indigenous literature or want to be introduced to it? Join our Indigenous Book Club this summer! This Book Club is open to everyone and will consist of weekly virtual meetings where the books will be discussed in a safe and open space. The selected books will cover many Indigenous cultures such as Cree, Ojibwe, and Navajo:

Book #1
Birdie written by Tracey Lindberg

Book #2
Code Talker written by Joseph Bruchac

Note: If you are unable to purchase the books, please ask about our lending library!

ChigNotes – Birdie

Watch our weekly YouTube posts as we discuss the books each week!

Episode 1: https://youtu.be/xR-LkMESU9E

Episode 2: https://youtu.be/iYYCGZd8sDw

Episode 3: https://youtu.be/5FU1U38BeSE

Episode 4: https://youtu.be/ucmV3MpxiHw

Episode 5: https://youtu.be/oYiAk1svL1I

This 6-week online support group invites families who have lost a baby through miscarriage, termination, stillbirth, as an infant, or struggling with repeated losses associated with infertility, to connect and share their grief journeys. Families will explore grief, and learn about healthy grieving practices. The group facilitators hope to establish a caring and open environment for families to share and express their own unique encounters with grief. The group can also offer the opportunity for continued memorialization and reflection of grief, and provide a safe space where families can continue to honour the memory of their child or experiences, and come together in unity with other grieving families.

Join this fun and stimulating online dance therapy program for individuals with Parkinson’s and their care partners. This program is designed to help improve balance, coordination and ease of motion.

Calling all mamas! Join Registered Nurse, Chantal Newburn and Social Worker, Melissa Maidment in this online peer support group for expecting or new mamas. The group will provide an open discussion on various social, developmental and educational topics. It’s a great opportunity to get together and support each other virtually during this challenging time of physical distancing!

Join Physiotherapist, Renée Scruton every Wednesday for her popular Choose to Move classes! She’ll take you through a gentle exercise program designed to work on overall strengthening while focusing on improving your core, posture and balance. These sessions are ideal for older adults who are interested in staying physically active during the pandemic from the comfort of their home!

This 8-week online group is for new moms who are experiencing mood changes after having a baby. It is led by Chigamik’s Indigenous Perinatal Mental Health Worker and provides a safe space to meet other parents who are also experiencing mood changes, such as anxiety or depression. This program follows Indigenous teachings related to creating a circle of support. The group will discuss coping and self-care strategies including:

• Education surrounding the various mood disorders, exploring the signs and symptoms
• Understanding imbalances through the use of the medicine wheel and support in developing a wellness framework
• Development of a wellness model to further support your relationships and assist in coping through difficult emotions
• Development of coping strategies and self-care strategies and understanding of the importance of self-care

These online sessions provide a safe and encouraging space for Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals to explore the Ojibwe language at a beginner level. Language Instructor, Mitch Akerman, will guide participants through various Ojibwe language lessons including how to introduce yourself, learning the alphabet and pronunciation, nouns, basic sentence structure, and asking and answering simple questions. This program is ideal for aspiring or novice language learners of any age.

Join Psychotherapist, Julien Laramée, for this online Mindfulness workshop that fosters an accepting, nonjudgmental environment to practice mindful exercises. Participants will learn how to mindfully manage stress and develop a greater control over their lives. No previous mindfulness experience is necessary!

*This workshop will be offered in French only

Join Psychotherapist Julien Laramée for this online Mindfulness class that fosters an accepting, nonjudgmental environment to practice mindful exercises and explore different topics each week. Participants will develop a greater awareness of their breath, senses, lifestyle, relationship patterns, power of choice, and how to mindfully manage stress. No previous mindfulness experience is necessary!

*This program is currently being offered in English only.

These online sessions hosted by Dance Therapist, Rebecca Barnstaple, invite you to explore the physical, emotional and spiritual components of dance therapy, especially for those living with chronic pain. These sessions provide a series of movements that can be followed individually or with a partner in the comfort of your own home. Bring your curiosity, find a comfortable place to sit, stand or lie down, and get ready to listen to your body in a new way. These sessions are suitable for people living with Fibromyalgia, arthritic conditions or any type of chronic pain.

This online information session, led by physiotherapist, Ingrid Beam, is a highly interactive program that demonstrates practical tips, exercises, adaptive devices and splints. Participants will learn how to use strategies to control pain and stiffness, protect joints and improve the function of the hand.

Honoured Traditional Healers use traditional Indigenous approaches to bring about wellness for individuals with mental, physical, spiritual and emotional holistic healing needs.

To learn more about Pamela Tremblay-Hayes, click here.

Cost: All virtual Traditional Healing appointments are provided at no cost and conducted using the virtual video conferencing platform called ‘Zoom.’

Eligibility: To access this service, you must reside in the North Simcoe Muskoka region and be 12 years of age or older. You must also have access to the Internet through a computer, tablet or mobile phone.

How to Access: Please complete the registration form below. You will receive a phone call within two business days from our Reception Team to schedule your Traditional Healing session. Our Reception Team will review with you which Healers are available for your upcoming appointment. Prior to your appointment, you will be emailed consent forms to complete electronically. These forms must be completed prior to your appointment.

For more information please contact Brian George, Indigenous Cultural Program Coordinator at: 705.527.4154 x204.

This online workshop will discuss Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) skills to help you better manage your depression. Participants will learn practical, fundamental CBT skills to help manage symptoms of depression and learn about additional resources and supports available in the community. Participants will leave the workshop with helpful tools that they can use in their everyday lives.

If you would like to access individual CBT sessions, please contact Trent Simons at 705-527-4154 x237. For more information, click here.

Join our online beading circle and learn how to bead a key chain inspired by Indigenous beading practices and design. Once registered, Chigamik will mail you a beading kit at no cost. Attend the online tutorial and follow along as our facilitators teach you how to get started. After the online session, you will have access to a “how-to” video to guide you through your project until it is complete!

Honoured Traditional Healers use traditional Aboriginal approaches to bring about wellness for individuals and/or groups with mental, physical, spiritual and emotional holistic healing needs. 

To learn more about Troy Green, click here.

Cost: All virtual Traditional Healing appointments are provided at no cost and conducted using the virtual video conferencing platform called ‘Zoom.’

Eligibility: To access this service, you must reside in the North Simcoe Muskoka region and be 12 years of age or older. You must also have access to the Internet through a computer, tablet or mobile phone.

How to Access: Please complete the registration form below. You will receive a phone call within two business days from our Reception Team to schedule your Traditional Healing session. Our Reception Team will review with you which Healers are available for your upcoming appointment. Prior to your appointment, you will be emailed consent forms to complete electronically. These forms must be completed prior to your appointment.

For more information please contact Brian George, Indigenous Cultural Program Coordinator at: 705.527.4154 x204.

Honoured Traditional Healers use traditional Aboriginal approaches to bring about wellness for individuals and/or groups with mental, physical, spiritual and emotional holistic healing needs. 

About Pauline Shirt
Pauline is an Elder, Plains Cree, Red–Tail Hawk Clan. Pauline was born and raised on the Saddle Lake Reserve, Alberta. Grandmother Pauline is greatly recognized for her commitment to the Toronto Native community and for her dedication as a teacher and lecturer since the late sixties.Pauline Shirt, a founder of the First Nations School and the Red Willow, are just two examples of her hard work ethic and perseverance to enhancing the betterment of the Toronto Aboriginal community. Today, Pauline serves as a mentor to many Aboriginal youth and young families as an experienced and trusted Grandmother. Pauline Shirt is capable of giving many Teachings and conducts ceremonies as needed.

Cost: All virtual Traditional Healing appointments are provided at no cost and conducted using the virtual video conferencing platform called ‘Zoom.’

Eligibility: To access this service, you must reside in the North Simcoe Muskoka region and be 12 years of age or older. You must also have access to the Internet through a computer, tablet or mobile phone.

How to Access: Please complete the registration form below. You will receive a phone call within two business days from our Reception Team to schedule your Traditional Healing session. Our Reception Team will review with you which Healers are available for your upcoming appointment. Prior to your appointment, you will be emailed consent forms to complete electronically. These forms must be completed prior to your appointment.

For more information please contact Brian George, Indigenous Cultural Program Coordinator at: 705.527.4154 x204.

Join Elder and honoured Traditional Healer, Pauline Shirt, in a Teaching about the changing times. Pauline will discuss how to stay healthy in mind, body, emotion and spirit during this changing time. The session will end with a sharing circle and closing song.

This Circle will celebrate the teachings of the berry Moon guided by Grandmother Pauline Shirt. The session will include berry Teachings, the creation of a clay necklace craft and a closing song.

*All materials will be provided to participants at no cost prior to the session.

Get creative and expand your art skills in this online acrylic canvas painting tutorial! Participants will learn how to paint a nature scene using various tips and techniques. This workshop is fun for all ages and no experience is necessary! All materials will be mailed out prior to the workshop and provided at no cost.

*This workshop will be offered in French only.

Honoured Traditional Healers use traditional Indigenous approaches to bring about wellness for individuals and/or groups with mental, physical, spiritual and emotional holistic healing needs.

To learn more about Terry Swan, click here.

Cost: All virtual Traditional Healing appointments are provided at no cost and conducted using the virtual video conferencing platform called ‘Zoom.’

Eligibility: To access this service, you must reside in the North Simcoe Muskoka region and be 12 years of age or older. You must also have access to the Internet through a computer, tablet or mobile phone.

How to Access: Please complete the registration form below. You will receive a phone call within two business days from our Reception Team to schedule your Traditional Healing session. Our Reception Team will review with you which Healers are available for your upcoming appointment. Prior to your appointment, you will be emailed consent forms to complete electronically. These forms must be completed prior to your appointment.

For more information please contact Brian George, Indigenous Cultural Program Coordinator at: 705.527.4154 x204.