

everyone is welcomed
FALL ROUND DANCE 2023
FREE TO ATTEND!
A Round Dance consists of a group of men with hand drums standing in the centre singing songs, and people dancing around the drummers in a circle. Some dancers join hands, while others prefer to go solo.
A round dance is a special traditional event in First Nations culture that brings people together to heal, to honor and to celebrate life. One of the biggest things about the round dance is that it breaks all those barriers that sometimes divide us.
This is a time we come together to join hands and dance together.
Everyone is welcome: all ages, backgrounds and cultures. You don’t need a special invitation and you can come and go when you want. Traditionally, women wear long skirts, but feel free to wear whatever is comfortable for you.
For dancing, gather in a circle. Hold hands with the people on either side of you, with your left hand facing up and your right hand facing down. You can jump in anywhere in the circle and at any time during a dance.
The circle moves to the left. This reflects the way the Earth moves around the sun. We believe when you’re moving in that direction, you’re healing.
Step to the beat of the drums. The beat of the drums is like that of the heartbeat. We acknowledge the heartbeat of Mother Earth.
Don’t worry about your feet. But if you want to get more detailed: step left with your left foot, then slide your right foot next to it. Your right foot, stays close to the ground to represent how closely connected you are to the Earth.
You don’t have to dance. You’re welcome to come, find a seat and watch. There’s healing in watching, as well.
So, this Fall, feel welcome to come and experience Wa-Say Healing Centre’s Fall Round Dance
STANDING TOGETHER
ORANGE SHIRT DAY
September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day that coincides with Orange Shirt Day. It recognizes the tragic legacy of residential schools, the missing children, the families left behind and honors the survivors. By wearing an Orange Shirt, we raise awareness of how during the residential school period, personal belongings such as clothing and with it culture and freedom, were taken away from children and multiple generations after them. We encourage everyone to come together on this day to reckon with the history of the residential school system. This is a vital part of the reconciliation process in Canada as it deepens our awareness of this history.
Wa-Say Healing Centre Inc. is proud to announce that this year the Orange Shirt Day Pow Wow will be at the Canada Life Centre.


ABOUT RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS
Warning: this video describes facts that may be triggering to some.
If you would like or need to learn more about residential schools and the negative consequences on generations of indigenous people, we can help you find your way. The video here can be a first step.
We encourage everyone to educate themselves by listening to the stories of survivors and we encourage survivors to share the stories they have, to educate others and to help other survivors to feel less alone.

ABOUT US
Wa-Say Healing Centre Inc. was established in April 2012 to deliver on a one-year agreement which is subject to renewal annually. The Agreement is signed with Health Canada: First Nations Inuit Health Branch, Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program (IRS RHSP).
This partnership aims to ensure:
The health and safety of former Indian Residential School (IRS) students before and during all phases of the IRS Settlement Agreement; and
That former IRS students and their families have access to appropriate levels of emotional health and wellness support services.
Wa-Say Healing Centre Inc. was also established to provide holistic health and wellness services and programs to persons of all nations. These include, but are not limited to, mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.

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Wa-Say Healing Centre Inc. was also established to provide holistic health and wellness services and
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