On April 21st 2023, 65 service providers, partners and community members gathered to learn more about what it means to be culturally responsive in marginalized and under-serviced rural communities. The day opened in Ceremony led by writer, therapist and Metis elder Andrea Currie, who was joined by Circles Team Member Karla Stevens in the Honour Song. African Nova Scotian elder Mary Desmond inspired the participants with a libation focused on our efforts to prevent violence and support communities.

The morning session includes a round-table conversation with Community Facilitators and Community members who shared their highlights and important learnings. In the afternoon, Andrea Currie shared her reflections on Indigenous healing and trauma and challenged us to continue to develop relationships in our communities to learn and share the cultural learnings from Indigenous and other practices.

Later in the day, small group discussions focused on ways to improve services to rural, marginalized, and under-serviced communities amd identify strategies for improving collaboration in the region.