Hey everyone, it’s Mrs. Fehr from EJSH! Have you ever felt like you wanted to improve yourself in some way? Maybe you would like to be more outgoing or maybe you would like to work through a specific fear or maybe you just want to learn patience. Personal growth happens when you work towards positive personal development. It requires you to be motivated to change in a positive way and it may require you to do things that feel uncomfortable. Positive change requires us to step out of our comfort zone and move forward. Even though it may seem hard in the moment, it’s so worth it! A great way to help remind you of your personal growth goals is to make a vision board. You can then hang it on your wall or add it to your desktop! Check out this link for how to make one!

https://sockbunstudios.com/blogs/news/vision-board-your-2021

In Honour of Mother’s Day  WOMAN’S JOURNEY In Honour of MMIW

Iskwewak Pimacihowin

ᐃᐢᑵᐘᐠ ᐱᒪᒋᐦᐅᐏᐣ

There is a strength that runs deep inside women. 

Young girls and Women  are worthy of dignity, respect and honour. 

WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER 

I think it is important to understand relationships and how to honor the women in our lives.  I honor the women in my life by understanding my role within the family structure.  I never address older females in my family by their names.  I also expect this from the younger people in my life.  I correct them when they do not address me properly, respect is earned, but also taught.  

 - Bobbi Houle

Life is not always easy for women but we are strong. There is no easy road. 

We must continue to learn throughout our lives. I am still learning. As we learn we must be there for and guide those who are younger than us. Women give life. We raise children. We learn the traditional ways so we can teach the young women our ways. The ceremonies and teachings are there to guide us in life. Women are powerful. We are to be respected and loved.    

  -Geraldine Mackinaw

Women and girls are not always honoured and protected as they should be. 

Women and Girls are worthy of SAFETY, DIGNITY, RESPECT and HONOUR 

Tansi Awasisak!

This week we are going to highlight strategies that support holistic wellness! below you will find strategies to support your mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional well being! 

Mental Wellness 

Physical Wellness

Emotional Wellness 

Spiritual Wellness 

Tansi! The counsellors at NSS have been happy to see all of our cohort 2 students this week. Though we move to 2 weeks of school closures next week, we want our students to know that we are still here for them and keep them in our hearts even when we are not together.

Today, we wanted to talk about stress.  Have you ever heard someone say one of these things before?

“I’m so stressed” 

”You’re stressing me out” 

“Ugh this is too stressful!!”

Maybe you have even said something like this (I know I have!). Well that's because we all experience stress EVERY DAY in our lives - from trying to keep up with schoolwork and being part of a family, changing of routines, to living through this pandemic. Stress is normal and happens to everyone! Sometimes we even need stress to get things done. For example, being stressed when we wake up in the morning to get to school may help us to find the energy we need to arrive at the bus stop on time, eat our breakfast or take a quick shower to start the day. This would usually be considered a positive stress. 

We also have negative stressors in our lives that can cause our health to be harmed. Mrs Fehr talks about this “mind-body connection” in the blog post on ayiki pisim 23. Being too worried, nervous, anxious, STRESSED about things isn’t good for us. But, when we are brave and able to face our worries, it helps our brains and bodies and makes us less stressed over time. 

As we continue to go back and forth with our school routine, make sure to take time to check in with yourself. Think about what is a positive stress in your life and what is a negative one. Then, feel free to check out our website to see different resources that you can use to help to make that stress a little smaller. Want to learn more about how stress works? Check out this video for an introduction. Remember, if you need help you can always talk a trusted adult who cares - like your school counsellor - to find out where your stress is coming from and what to do with it. 

Hi Everyone, Mrs. Fehr here to share some info on the Mind-body connection.

Have you ever…

·       felt so worried or stressed your stomach begins to hurt or you get a headache?

·       felt so happy or excited your body feels energetic?

·       felt so sad your body feels heavy and exhausted?

These are some examples of the mind-body connection. It means our emotions and the way we think are connected to how our body reacts and vice versa. Sometimes this is helpful as your gut tells you to run when you are in danger. Other times it is not helpful if you are worried and your stomach becomes upset so you don’t eat and this becomes an ongoing pattern.

When we experience a negative emotion such as stress, anger or fear, our bodies produce hormones that continue the stress cycle. In other words, our bodies creates stress hormones that can keep us stressed! Don’t get me wrong! We need stress hormones in our body, but having too much can create physical symptoms, even illnesses, such as ulcers or heart attacks!  One way to “burn off” the excess stress hormones is to do some type of body movement. Have you ever noticed that when you go for a walk you often feel better?

One of my favourite ways to combat the stress in my body is to calm myself by mindful breathing. I encourage you to watch and participate in the videos below.   What do you notice in your body that is different now than before you participated?

Tansi Awasisak, 

Spring Break is just around the corner! Things are a bit different this year with the cohort system but remember it is still important to take a break! It's okay to work on school a little bit next week but it is still your spring break! A great time to get outside and do some activities as a family! We have added some activities below you can do safely within your family groups. Get outside and stay safe :)

Tansi everyone! We are so happy to have students in our schools and are enjoying getting to know everyone a bit better once again. Us counsellors at Nipisihkopahk Secondary School wanted to talk about self esteem this week. What is self-esteem? To put it simply, self-esteem is how you feel about yourself. Your self-esteem is changing all the time. Sometimes you can wake up in the morning, feeling confident and happy to be yourself. Other days it is not so easy, especially when hard things come in your way, like not doing well on a school assignment or getting in an argument with your friend. Sometimes you might feel bad about yourself for a little while -that's okay sometimes, and normal to not always feel our best. The good news is that you can always do things to improve your self-esteem and build your confidence. Here is a list of some things to try when you want to feel better about yourself:

• Start each day saying something positive to yourself in the mirror - use affirmations to start your day on the right foot.

• Practice or participate in  your talents and interests - when we feel good about we do, we feel good about ourselves.

• Spend quality time with the people you love and who love you, too.

• Turn “I can’t” into “I can” - challenge yourself by deciding to change your mind. Once you start saying “I can” you may be surprised what you can accomplish.

• Go to “Fun Stuff” and try Ms. Cassandra’s self-esteem jar!!

We hope these tips can help you to grow your self-esteem. If you are interested in learning more, check out these youtube video links for more on confidence and self-esteem for both teenagers and younger kids. Take care!!

Inspiration for blog taken from https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/self-esteem.html

Building Positive Relationships

One of the most profound experiences we can have in our lives is the connection we have with other human beings. Positive and supportive relationships will help us to feel healthier, happier, and more satisfied with our lives. So here are a few tips to help you to develop more positive and healthy relationships in all areas of your life:

Quick Tips

• Ensure that the relationship you have with yourself is a positive one.

• Accept and celebrate the fact that we are all different.

• Actively listen to hear what other people have to say.

• Give people time and “be present” when you are with them.

• Develop and work on your communication skills.

• Manage mobile technology and be aware of its pitfalls.

• Learn to give and take constructive feedback.

• Open your heart and find the courage to trust.

• Learn to be more understanding and empathetic.

• Treat people as you would like to be treated yourself.

Every relationship we have can teach us something, and by building positive relationships with others, we will be happier and more fulfilled and feel more supported, supportive, and connected.

Life's Building Blocks

We hope you have fun working by yourself or with others when you play the LEGO block games that we have included here.  There are similarities between  building with blocks  and building self and relationships.

Problem solving skills - Problem solving skills are needed in order to build these patterned block puzzles. The first steps are to figure out, how do I do that, what colour do I use, how many blocks do I need to build this formation? Problem solving skills in life are important because this is when we are making choices. Effective problem-solving skills can result in confident, and more independent individuals. When children tackle problems on their own, or in a group they learn to look at challenges differently/positively.

Imagination/Creativity - Once a child has mastered the Lego examples, they can now use their imagination to make their own plan or if they're playing with friends, they can work together to create the Lego pattern. Blocks can be moved , combined and recombined in countless ways.  No end to the possibilities.  Imagination and creativity foster's cognitive and social development, along with developing creative problem solving  abilities.   Albert Einstein said, creativity is intelligence having fun. 

Self-expression - Blocks offer many ways for learner's to explore, create and express themselves.  Self-expression in one's life gives us enjoyment and an opportunity to share our feelings, thoughts or ideas in writing art, music, dance. 

Social and emotional growth - Playing with blocks can help children learn to take turns and share materials, develop new friendships, become self-reliant, increase attention span, cooperate with others, and develop self-esteem. Builds self-esteem and feelings of success. 

Building LEGO is fun!  Who knew we are also building character traits that will benefit us in the future?

LEGO Block Patterns - using the patterns below, construct the figures.  Once you have done it once, then time yourself constructing the second time.  The third time you can challenge a family member to construct one of the patters.  Have fun and remember the skills that you are developing by simply building LEGO patterns.  

Mikisiw Pisim - 26th

We ALL have GIFTS, We just need to open them!

Mr. Roberts

EJSH School Counsellor

It is so good to be back in school.  It has been such a long time and the school has felt like just a building until you arrived.  The lockdown has been very difficult for many of us.  It has presented us with challenges while at the same time allowing us to look at ourselves, spend more time with family, and realize what is important to us.  It has felt so good to connect and support you as you get back into the thick of school.  

We ALL have gifts, we just need to open them!  What does this mean?  There is nothing more important than knowing who we are and what we have to give to others.  The world needs us and is much better off with us in the world doing what we do best, whatever it is.  All types of people are needed in this world.  A quote I like goes, “The sky is full of stars and there’s room for them ALL to shine.”  

We need to take the time to notice gifts in each and every one of us as we all have them.  We only need to open ourselves to discover what they are and how they can help us to help others.  Gifts are not meant to stand alone but to give to others.    So, how can we discover our gifts?  Here are some practical ways to get started.  Think about these questions and write down your responses:

1. What do you like to do?  What do you spend most of your time doing? 

2. What is important to you in general?  In your family, school, friendships, 

etc.?  Make a list in each area of your life as these will define what you value in life.  Using these will help you find purpose and direction.

3. Take an online strengths assessment such as the Clifton Strengths 

Assessment.  It is important to know where your strengths lie so you can 

do the things that will move you closer to the place where you belong.  Use these strengths to help you with your own development and growth.

4. Ask those around you that you trust and love like family and friends what 

they believe your greatest strength.  Hopefully this will confirm what you already know about yourself and give you something to think about.

After identifying what your strengths, passions, and purpose in life seems to be, find as many ways as you can to use your gifts.  Be creative and reflect on all you have to offer.  Put it out into the world and see what comes back.  

We are all who we are and we have the gifts we have for a reason.  We are uniquely unique and our gifts are sacred to us and to those around us.  Whether we were meant to lead (or follow), or work with animals (or people), or draw or create (or sell those drawings and creations) or be amazing storytellers in books (or in person around the campfire) or any number of gifts and abilities that can be named.  We are all given gifts that make us who we are and allow us to change the world, even if it is just in our corner of the world.  We can all make a difference with our gifts.  We just have to open them to see what they are.  So, start opening!  What are you waiting for?

Name it to Tame It: Grief

In December we posted a video from our Name it to Tame It series that focused on emotions in general. This week we’re focusing on one particular set of feelings: grief in children. It can be helpful for children (and adults) to know what might be expected and some healthy ways to cope. Below, we’ve broken the info into sections so you can take from it what you need. Hopefully it’s of some help in supporting the children in your life. It has been shown by research that children who know more about grief often have an easier time coping, please feel free to share the information with your child as you see fit. Below you will find info for adults and children about grief. Feel free to use or not as you see fit.

How to Talk to Younger Children About Grief

from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/death.html for more details and examples, please click on the link.

• When talking about death, use simple, clear words. 

• Listen and comfort. 

• Every child reacts differently to learning that a loved one has died. Some kids cry. Some ask questions. Others seem not to react at all. That's OK. 

• Stay with your child to offer hugs or reassurance. 

• Answer your child's questions or just be together for a few minutes.

• Put emotions into words. 

• Talk about your own feelings

• Tell your child what to expect. 

• Talk about funerals, wakes, and rituals. 

• Share your family's beliefs about what happens to a person's soul or spirit after death.

• Explain what happens after the service

• Give your child a role (if they want). 

• Help your child remember the person. 

• Don't avoid mentioning the person who died. Recalling and sharing happy memories helps heal grief and activate positive feelings.

• Respond to emotions with comfort and reassurance. 

• Ask about feelings and listen.

• Let your child know that it takes time to feel better after a loved one dies. 

• Support groups and counselling can help kids who need more support.

• Help your child feel better. Provide the comfort your child needs, but don't dwell on sad feelings. 

• Give your child time to heal from the loss. Grief is a process that happens over time.  

Some Things People Grieve 

• Grief is often associated with death, but there are many other things we can grieve:

• Death of a person

• Death of a pet

• Not getting to see someone important to us

• Losing a thing that is important (an item, a job, etc.)

• Losing trust in someone close to us

• Changes in our lives (like COVID-19’s changes)

• Divorce/Separation

• Being let down

Some Ways to Cope With Grief

There are times when the feelings of grief can be too confusing and difficult to deal with on our own. During these times we may need extra help. Each person deals with grief differently. Below are some different, healthy coping ideas that might be useful to some people.

• Talking to someone you trust

• Ceremony and ritual

• Prayer and reflection

• Being with good friends and family (this can even include pets)

• Self-Care

• Connect with nature

• Counselling services 

• Play

• Being patient and forgiving with ourselves

• Cry when you need, laugh when you can

• Trust your instincts

• Mindfulness

• Journaling

• Exercise

Tansi --Mikisowipisim 05

Tansi Kiyawaw! This is Ms. Cary Northwest, along with Ms. Susan Spyker popping in to see how everyone has been during this period of not being in school. We’ve been spending some time going through the counsellor page on the MESC site and are amazed at how many things there are to do for all awâsisak/oskâyak (children/youth) students. There is a lot for ohpikinahawasiwin (parents/guardians) to do and read as well. 

We especially want to thank Miss Mariah for making up the page of counsellor pictures -- we know we speak for all of the counsellors when we say that we are really missing you, Kiyawaw!

In December we talked about big feelings including being angry or mad . We can all agree that feeling mad does not feel good in our bodies. Did you know that often anger comes with another emotion? Our feelings might get hurt and we feel angry towards the person who hurt us. We might have lost someone or something important to us and along with grief, we might feel angry that we don’t have them any longer. Listen to the audio below where a traditional Cree story is told. It is a story gathered by Harvey McCue called, The Granddaughter who was eaten by a Big Fish. In this story, Beulah has disobeyed her Kohkom. How do you think she is feeling? Sad that she misbehaved? Guilty that she should have listened? Mad that the fish ate her? Maybe relieved that her Kohkom caught the fish and rescued her? Could be any of them, or perhaps a combination of two or more feelings. 

The words to this story are included so that you, parents/guardians, may learn the story and adjust it to meet your storytelling needs. Perhaps it would make more sense to have a grandfather as the other main character. Or that it is a story about a grandson. Oral storytelling traditions allow the teller to tweak the story. Mainly the storyteller would want to remember the plot and the main characters. . 

And, as always, if you are having feelings that are too big to handle on your own reach out to family, friends, school teachers, counsellors or someone else close to you.

Cary Northwest, carynorthwest@maskwacised.ca  Phone: 780-585-2075  Text only: 780-312-3273 

  Susan Spyker, susanspyker@maskwacised.ca Phone: Ermineskin Kindergarten 780-585-3788

              or Mimiw Sakahikan School 780-586-3808  Text only: 780-312-8858

Audio (above) is the telling of a traditional Cree story -  The Granddaughter who was eaten by a Big Fish

Tansi! 

It's Erika, from NES here! I want to say just how excited I am that we get to have some of you BACK IN THE BUILDING this week! The last couple of weeks may have been hard learning from home, but we want to remind you that you are doing your best and that is good enough! It's easy to be hard on yourself when we are doing hard things! Learning from home is hard, not seeing our friends and family is hard, keeping routine while you are at home is hard! But remember what Dr. Jody Carrington says! "we are wired to do hard things!" Remind yourself you are doing your best, and watch any negative self-talk, try replacing negative things with some positive affirmations!

Tansi Awasisak, 

Ms. Jordee here, I would like to welcome you all back to this New week, New month and New year of 2021! All of us here at NES are so very excited and happy to be seeing your lovely faces (with masks on!) Wapahki! Just a reminder that the Counsellors are available and I can’t wait to see you all. Get some rest, drink some water and get a good night’s rest for tomorrow we are all back in the school.  

(pawâcakinasîs 11/Dec.11) 

Hey Everyone,

It’s Mrs. Fehr from Ermineskin Junior Senior High School.  Wow, time has gone very quickly for me this fall! Now that the snow has come, my mind has drifted to Christmas! I was thinking about how Christmas is sometimes a challenging time for some people who are anxious. It makes me wonder how people will cope with anxiety this year with Covid-19!

 It seems that everywhere I go someone is talking about Covid-19. While it is important to talk about, it can make us feel anxious and fearful especially when we have loved ones we are worried about.

One of the most important things to remember is to educate ourselves with the facts about Covid-19. (See Alberta.ca for facts). Please remember there is a lot of information posted on social media that is not true and seeing it might create more anxiety. What happens when we are feeling anxious? I feel a tightness in my neck and shoulders, and my heart beats faster than usual. How do you feel in your body when you are anxious? Helping your body relax will help ease some of the anxiety you are feeling.

Mr. Roberts and I have added some things on this website to help you cope with the anxiety that Covid-19 might bring. Take a look at the resources we have added to the caregiver page and check out the fun stuff page showing some of the things we do when we are feeling stressed and anxious.

It’s important to take care of ourselves now more than ever during this time of COVID-19.

(pawâcakinasîs 4/Dec.4) 

Tansi! It's November 13 and this is Erika and Jordana from NES! 

This week we have added some resources to the Caregiver page about routine and how to make learning from home a success! Whether you are only working from home with your child every other week, or you are choosing to learn from home full time there are challenges and we are here to support you! The entire counselling team also wants to ensure you know we are available to every MESC student no matter where they are learning from this year! 

 Mental Health and Crisis Contacts

If you are unsure about if you should call any of the below numbers, please call and they will help direct you if needed. It is better to call if you are unsure.

• • Maskwacis Mobile Mental Health: crisis line 780-362-2150

• • Text4Hope: Text COVID19HOPE to 393939 to subscribe for ways to cope with feelings of isolation, etc.

• • Maskwacis RCMP: 780-585-3767

• • Maskwacis Ambulance: 780-585-4000

• • Kids Help Line: 1-800-668-6868

• • Kids Help Line Text: text ‘connect’ to 686868

• • FN and Inuit hope for wellness: 1-855-242-3310

• • Mental Health Help Line:  1-877-303-2642

• • Addiction Help Line: 1-866-332-2322

• • Connectteen: text only 587-333-2724

• • Youthspace: text only 778-783-0177

• • Suicide Prevention: text 45645 call 1-833-456-4566

• • Maskwacis counselling:  780-585-2268 (Can also be contacted via Facebook)

• • https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page16944.aspx (COVID-19 info)

opaskaweho pisim- (June) 19.

opaskaweho pisim- (June) 12.

HI EVERYONE! Sandi here , from Meskanahk Ka Nipa Wit School

This week’s blog is about one of my favorite things. MUSIC. 

I have a million playlists with a lot of different types of music. When I like a song, I put it on replay..it drives my family crazy. 

MUSIC is so many things….

Historical, Political, Spiritual, Personal, Social, Fun and so much more...

Here are some examples of the many things music can be *(disclaimer for younger children: I've checked the songs for "non-school language" but there may be some more mature themes): 

I love music!!! 

This picture is me  when a song I like is on! 

Now, something to try at home:

Pay attention to how different songs make you think and feel….Does the song make you feel relaxed, sad, motivated, hopeful, bold, strong, does the song remind you of someone or something? Etc…

Some Local Music: What does music mean to Paul Coutre? He had this to say...

“Music has been there for me when nobody else was. It’s been the parent, my Mother or Father when they were not healthy enough to be there for me. Music was the motivation that taught me right from wrong. MUSIC is a LIFE CHANGER”

PAUL HELPED TO CREATE the SONG MAKE IT OUT ALIVE

TALENT...

MONTANA FIRST NATION, MASKWACIS

In 2019 Students from Meskanahk Ka Nipa Wit School created a powerful song titled Make It Out Alive.  Click on the link to listen.  The song Make it Out Alive is just below the documentary video Life into Lyrics.

Life Into Lyrics - Montana First Nation - Darkspark

ABOUT THE SONG students worked with the production company Darkspark to write and record their song. 

Students wanted to give voice to the HOPE, COURAGE, STRENGTH, WISDOM and the BEAUTY of who they are as CREE PEOPLE and their home, MASKWACIS. 

They also knew it was important to express their thoughts and feelings about Indigenous Youth who may be experiencing a loss of trust, hope and identity. Students wanted to address the loss of loved ones through tragic circumstances like suicide, addiction, violence  and those loved ones who are missing or not in there lives for other reasons. They decided to speak to the struggles. They decided to give suffering a voice. 

THEY PRODUCED A BEAUTIFUL MASTERPIECE...A SONG

With wisdom beyond their years, they shared a story of who they are that is filled with  COURAGE, TRUTH, LOVE, HONOUR, HOPE and DIGNITY.

 It was a great honour to share the experience with them and I am so entirely proud of their outstanding achievement! Look directly below for a link to the site and video of this song.

And last, but not least, a few of Sandi's favourite songs! And check below for some songs to sing to from Ms. Cassandra!

Sing it Out! Singing has a lot of benefits for our minds and bodies. Below are some tunes to get you started!

opaskaweho pisim- (June) 5.

pinawew pisim-ᐱᓇᐁᐧᐤ  ᐱᓯᒼ (May) 29.

What is Gratitude?

Gratitude is when we are thankful for the everyday things in our lives that make us happy and feel good.  We can be grateful for the things we have, the people around us and ourselves. It's about focusing on what's good in our lives and being thankful for the things we have. Gratitude is pausing to notice and appreciate the things that we often take for granted, like having a place to live, food, clean water, friends, family, even computer access. Some things that Mrs. Dewald, Miss Charlene and Ms. Leann are grateful for are the teachings brought to us by Elders, community and MESC like our 4 principles that we strive for in everyday interactions. 

 These include: 

1.Iyiniw Mamitonehicikan ᐃᔨᓂᐤ ᒪᒥᑐᓀᐦᐃᒋᑲᐣ

Be compassionate; recognize one another’s diverse experiences, views and voice. 

2. Nehiyawewin ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐍᐏᐣ

Be careful with your words; listen, learn, ask questions, and take time to reflect.

3. Nehiyaw Pimatisowin  ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐤ  ᐱᒫᑎᓰᑐᑕᒼ VTI 

Be actively engaged; open-minded, honour spirit and one another.

4. Wahkohtowin ᐘᐦᑯᐦᑐᐏᐣ

Build positive relationships; approach every interaction from a place of love and respect.

pinawew pisim-ᐱᓇᐁᐧᐤ  ᐱᓯᒼ (May) 15

ayikîpîsim ᐊᔨᑮᐲᓯᒼ 30 (April 30, 2020)

Below are some ideas from our counsellors to help ourselves feel better in different situations. As with anything, the more we practice, the better we get! Give them a try!