Maemae Children & Youth Workshop Series

Circle Bound Strategies Inc.
Thunder Bay, Ontario

Boozhoo.

Miigwetch for the opportunity to share the Maemae Children and Youth Workshop Series. These workshops are offered as two-day, story-based, trauma-aware learning experiences designed to support emotional wellness, self-esteem, resilience, and cultural connection for children and youth.

The Maemae workshops are grounded in Indigenous storytelling and teachings and are intentionally designed to meet participants where they are. Each workshop uses story, reflection, creative expression, and relational learning to support participants in building emotional awareness, self-trust, and healthy coping skills in a safe, respectful, and culturally grounded way.

Some workshop themes explore deeper emotional experiences such as grief, family stress, anxiety, body awareness, decision-making, or truth-telling. Depending on the specific workshop and the needs of the community, the presence of a mental health professional, wellness worker, cultural support person, or designated support staff may be required or recommended. This is determined collaboratively with the host organization.

What Participants Receive

• A small giveaway connected to the workshop teachings
• A workshop certificate recognizing participation
• A shared closing celebration, including a small feast and door prizes, to honour the learning journey and successful completion of the workshop

These closing elements are an intentional part of the process and help reinforce belonging, accomplishment, and community connection.

All Maemae workshops are flexible and adaptable. Content, pacing, group size, and delivery can be customized to align with community needs, cultural protocols, age ranges, and available supports. Workshops may be delivered in schools, community spaces, cultural camps, wellness programs, or other appropriate settings.

I welcome the opportunity to work in partnership with your community to tailor these workshops in a way that feels safe, meaningful, and responsive.

Arlene Lehto
Indigenous Author & Facilitator
Founder, Circle Bound Strategies Inc.

Supports, Safety & Wellness

The Maemae Children and Youth Workshop Series is designed using trauma-aware and culturally grounded principles that prioritize emotional safety, choice, and respect. While workshops are non-clinical in nature, some themes may surface emotional responses related to grief, stress, anxiety, or personal experiences.

For certain workshops, and depending on community context, the presence of a mental health professional, wellness worker, cultural support person, or designated support staff may be required or recommended. This is discussed in advance with the host organization to ensure appropriate supports are available during and after the workshop.

Participation is always voluntary, sharing is never required, and alternative quiet or creative options are offered. Follow-up supports and referrals remain the responsibility of the host organization unless otherwise agreed upon.

This approach ensures workshops are delivered in a way that is safe, ethical, and responsive to the needs of participants and communities.