In celebration of International Women’s Day, Samson Head Start FNCFS Prevention Programs hosted the NIKÂWIY Leadership & Empowerment Workshop. This two-day initiative was specifically designed for 20 mothers from the Samson Cree Nation, each with a child aged 0–6. The primary objective was to provide a "reset" from the daily demands of motherhood, fostering a space for relational leadership and the strengthening of Wahkotowin (interconnectedness).

Key Activities & Cultural Integration

The workshop balanced traditional Cree wisdom with modern self-care practices to empower participants both internally and externally:

• Elder Guidance & Genealogy: Our female Elder shared traditional knowledge regarding upbringing and foundational Cree terms. A highlight of the event was the family tree project, where the Elder assisted mothers in navigating their lineages. This captivated participants, grounding them in their identity as Nehiyaw Iskwew, and providing a tangible legacy to pass down to their children.

• Resilience & Goal Setting: Discussions focused on the unique hardships First Nations mothers face. Participants created vision boards to map out their dreams, inspirational influences, and their roles as leaders within their homes. The Elder shared that “even as mothers, we need to have goals and not to forget about ourselves.”

• Holistic Self-Care: Day Two shifted focus to "Outer Self-Care," featuring sessions with two renowned Cree professional hair and makeup artists from Calgary. This session reinforced the Elder’s teaching that maintaining one’s appearance and self-regard is vital, as mothers often neglect themselves while caring for others.

Participant Feedback & Outcomes

Feedback from the 20 attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with participants expressing deep appreciation for the cultural connection and the opportunity to build a support "village." They enjoyed meeting other mothers in the community and learning about upcoming programs offered by SHS-FNCFS.

• Successes: The sense of interconnectedness experienced during the family tree activity and the boost in confidence from the beauty sessions were cited as major highlights.

• Incentives: To support their commitment, participants who attended both days received high-quality skincare and haircare products, locally crafted earrings, and gift cards.

• Future Considerations: While the workshop was a success, participants requested increased ongoing support for new mothers to maintain the momentum of empowerment and resilience built during these two days.

Conclusion

The NIKÂWIY Workshop successfully honored the "leader within" in each mother, reminding them that, through resilience and by reaching out to their community, they can succeed. By blending ancestral roots with contemporary empowerment, the program reinforced the idea that a mother's well-being is the foundation for generations to come.