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Beyond the Wall: Connecting the Circle
Gathering from September 14th to 17th, 2026
From September 14 to 17, 2026, Waseskun hosted a major gathering, "Beyond the Wall: Connecting the Circle." Over several days, about one hundred people from diverse backgrounds came together to reflect on issues that affect Indigenous communities and society as a whole with regard to the justice system. Representatives of organizations working within the justice system, service providers, and community members shared the same table. The discussions focused on justice, systemic racism, and multigenerational trauma, the effects of which continue to be felt today. Above all, participants sought concrete ways to change things, and healing centres were recognized as an essential starting point for this work.
The importance of education also held a central place in the discussions. Participants highlighted the very real difficulty of leaving the criminal milieu, even after sincere work on oneself. Too often, society refuses to give a genuine second chance to people who have made mistakes, including those who have committed to a path of change. This reality underscores the urgent need for approaches grounded in healing, dignity, and reintegration.
The gathering came to a fitting close with a seasonal change ceremony at Waseskun, marked by songs and moments of sharing around a traditional feast. This time of reflection was a reminder of the strength of traditions and the sense of community that guide the centre every day.
The Waseskun Healing Centre warmly thanks everyone who contributed to the success of this event. The conversations continue, and the centre remains determined to advance these reflections through concrete action.
At the end of April, the Waseskun community held four days of traditional ceremonies focused on renewal and healing.
Each day of the week, a sweat lodge ceremony brought residents and staff together in a space of reflection and inner transformation. These moments allowed everyone to release the weight of daily life and open themselves to a new sense of purpose.
The site was also purified with smoke, reminding us that healing affects not only individuals but also the spaces we share.
The week concluded with a traditional feast, a time for celebration, gratitude, and strengthening community bonds—a reminder that community support is at the heart of any healing process.
Smudging Ceremony - April 2026
Looking Back on Our Gathering - October 6th to 9th
At the beginning of October, Waseskun hosted a large gathering dedicated to sharing, reflection, and healing, in the beautiful natural area of Saint-Alphonse-Rodriguez.
This event marked the beginning of a three-year initiative aimed at rethinking the justice system for Indigenous Peoples — to make it less discriminatory and more deeply rooted in culture, traditions, and healing values.
Even though the Sacred Fire took some time to be lit due to the ongoing drought in the region, its energy shone from the very first day and continued to bring hearts together throughout the gathering. The power of the Circle could be felt everywhere — in the laughter, the honesty of the words shared, and the sincerity of the exchanges. What was spoken came from the heart, reminding us that healing always begins with relationship.
Over four days, Elders, partners, community workers, and participants came together around a shared vision: a justice system that walks hand in hand with healing. Discussions focused on family and belonging, the weight of intergenerational wounds, and the importance of places like Waseskun and other Healing Lodges — spaces where trust can be rebuilt and cultural connections renewed.
Participants also spoke about the challenges of release — loneliness, loss of bearings, the need for community and human support — and the importance of prevention from a young age to break the cycle of crime. Real change, we were reminded, begins with understanding: understanding Canada’s colonial history, the traumas it left behind, and their ongoing effects today.
A powerful conviction emerged from these exchanges: change must be collective. Healing one person also means supporting their family, and through them, their community. Our partners expressed a strong desire to continue working together — strengthening ties with Elders, sharing knowledge among organizations, and easing the transition from incarceration to community life.
The gathering concluded with a Sharing Circle with the Residents of Waseskun. With sincerity, humility, and respect, they answered participants questions, speaking openly about their journeys, their challenges, what they have learned, and what they need to succeed after release.
A heartfelt thank you to our Residents, who helped prepare this event with dedication and care. Gratitude as well to our Fire Keepers, whose constant presence carried the spirit of the ceremony.
Finally, thank you to all who took part in this first step of a long journey, and to those who will continue to walk beside us. Your presence, your commitment, and your generosity of spirit made this gathering a memorable moment of healing and unity.
Change of Season Ceremony - June 18th, 2025
On June 18, we held a Change of Season Ceremony in Waseskun.
A huge thank you to all our guests for being there to celebrate this precious moment with us!
Despite the rain, the day was a real success, filled with human warmth and shared emotions.
We would particularly like to acknowledge the involvement of our Residents and Elders, who prepared every detail with heart and dedication. Their songs and ceremonies brought hearts together, reminding everyone of the strengthof Community and living traditions.
