We are deeply grateful to share the remarkable success of our recent collaborative work with the Wiichihiiwewin Centre and the incredible community of Waskaganish we had the privilege to serve. This partnership represents everything we strive for in prevention education—culturally grounded, community-driven programming that makes a real difference in young people's lives.
Our Three-Year Partnership Journey
Earlier this year, we proudly signed a three-year collaboration agreement with the Wiichihiiwewin Centre to deliver comprehensive prevention training programs and codevelop customised educational materials in partnership with the local Cree first nation. This groundbreaking partnership was made possible through the dedicated work of David Cheechoo Glenn Whiskeychan and Josephine Ottereyes, who helped us develop culturally responsive programming that honours traditional knowledge while addressing contemporary challenges.
The collaboration embodies our commitment to working to codevelop unique approaches to wellness and prevention that are a fit for the local community.
Mental Health Week: A Transformative Experience
At the end of August 2025, we had the extraordinary opportunity to visit during the community's Mental Health Week—a time dedicated to promoting wellness, cultural connection, and healing. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to David and Glenn for being such exceptional hosts, welcoming us into their community with warmth and ensuring our visit was both meaningful and impactful.
Elementary School Prevention Classes
Our first day was spent with the sixth-grade classes at the elementary school, where we delivered comprehensive prevention education focused on vaping and smoking prevention. With support from Hannah Moses, Director of Regional School Operations (Coastal) and Alexandra Filippi principal of ᐋᓃ ᐧᐄᔥᑲᒑᓐ ᒋᔅᑯᑕᒫᒉᐅᑲᒥᒄ (École Annie Whiskeychan Memorial Elementary School), whose dedication to her students was truly inspiring, we witnessed the power of engaging young minds in health education. The students embraced our chatbot curriculum with remarkable enthusiasm and ease, demonstrating how technology can enhance traditional prevention approaches when implemented thoughtfully. Thank you to Twyla Diamond, Marta Dupont and Jonathan Adams (subbing for Heather Arsenault) for allowing us into your classrooms!
Research shows that prevention programs are most effective when they begin during the elementary years, as they can reduce substance use initiation and build protective factors that last into adulthood. The students' positive response and active participation reinforced our belief in the importance of early, culturally appropriate intervention.
High School Engagement and Learning
Our second day brought us to the high school ᐧᐄᓂᐯᑰ ᒋᔅᑯᑕᒫᒉᐅᑲᒥᒄ (École Wiinibekuu School), where we delivered full-day programming to all students on crucial topics including:
- Drug and alcohol education and awareness
- How to help a friend in crisis or need
- Accessing support services and community resources
- Practical skills for saying no to peer pressure
It was heartwarming to see a group of students dive right into the role play where they practiced assertiveness skills while giving everyone a good laugh. Their willingness to participate and learn demonstrated the hunger young people have for honest, respectful education that treats them as capable decision-makers.
Valuable Data and Insights
Through our confidential surveys, we gathered important insights about the community's youth:
- Lower alcohol use rates compared to many other communities
- Lower substance use
- Concerns around vaping
- Concerns around others’ use of substances
These findings highlight both the protective factors present in the community and the areas where continued support and programming can make the greatest impact.
Community Leadership and Support
We cannot express enough gratitude to the educational leaders who made our work possible. Principal Mary-Ann Katapatuk welcomed our prevention programming into the school, while Vice Principal David O’Quinn ensured smooth coordination and student engagement throughout our visit. Their commitment to student wellness and culturally appropriate education created the foundation for our successful collaboration.
Thank you to the teachers from Sections 1 to 5 for bringing your classes to us:
Emma Whiskey, Murray Blackned, Virginia Stephen, Florence Peace, Waskaganish - EWS - Teachers
Mental Health Week Community Events
Beyond our formal educational programming, we were privileged to participate in the community's Mental Health Week celebrations. These events showcased the vibrant culture and resilience of the community:
- Phil (also known as Breeze) created stunning graffiti art and led workshops on creating graffiti art
- Musical performances featuring rap and traditional styles that spoke to both heritage and modern identity
Traditional food sharing, including the delicious goose meat prepared using traditional methods
These activities reinforced the importance of culture, connection, and community in promoting mental wellness and preventing substance abuse.
Keeping Our Word and Looking Ahead
We made a promise—to deliver thoughtful, meaningful prevention training and community partnership. And we did just that! It’s one thing to set a goal, but it’s even better to roll up your sleeves and make it happen. This whole experience has been about showing up, listening, adapting, and making sure our plans turn into reality alongside the amazing people of the Wiichichiiwewin Centre and the Waskaganish community. We’re not just proud of what we’ve accomplished so far—we’re excited for the next steps and all the good things still to come as we keep building trust and working together hand-in-hand.
Looking Forward: Train-the-Trainer Programs
As we continue our three-year partnership, we are excited to develop and expand train-the-trainer programs that will empower local community members with lived experience of addiction and recovery to become prevention educators themselves. This approach aligns with best practices community prevention, which emphasize:
- Community ownership of programs and services
- Cultural grounding in traditional knowledge and practices
- Peer support and mentorship models
- Holistic approaches that address mind, body, spirit, and community
By training local trainers, we ensure that prevention programming becomes sustainable, culturally authentic, and responsive to the community's evolving needs and priorities.
A Message of Deep Gratitude
This collaboration has profoundly impacted not just the students and community members we served, but our own understanding of effective, respectful prevention work. The Wiichihiiwewin Centre and the entire community have taught us invaluable lessons about:
- The power of cultural identity in promoting resilience and wellness
- The importance of intergenerational connection in prevention programming
- The effectiveness of holistic approaches that honour traditional knowledge
- The necessity of true partnership and cocreating programmes that are effective
We look forward to our continued collaboration and to supporting the community's vision for youth wellness, cultural preservation, and prevention programming. Together, we are building something truly meaningful—prevention education that honours the past, serves the present, and protects the future.
Maarsii, Thank you, Merci to everyone who made this partnership possible and to the young people who inspire us every day with their wisdom, resilience, and hope for the future.
