This training explores the vital role of peer support, relationships, and genuine human connection in re-indigenizing and decolonizing society. Peer support is not a new idea—it is deeply rooted in Indigenous traditions, where healing occurs in sacred circles, through storytelling, and with the guidance of ancestral practices. By drawing on these values, peer support offers a holistic, community-centered approach to wellness that helps address the harmful legacies of colonization and assimilation.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how peer support can serve as a tool for reclaiming cultural practices, strengthening identity, and healing intergenerational trauma. The workshop will examine the histories of colonization and their lasting impact, while also exploring the practice of peer support among Indigenous peoples globally. Parallels with Western approaches will be highlighted to illuminate both differences and intersections.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify key components of peer support that align with Indigenous healing and community-building.
2. Explore how peer support can help individuals and communities reconnect with cultural heritage and strengthen identity.
3. Reflect on how peer support fosters personal and collective transformation.