Lateral Kindness Workshop

Haida Gwaii, June 2025 — Demonstrating its commitment to Nation’s wellness and culturally grounded leadership, HaiCo successfully executed Lateral Kindness Training during the week of June 2, 2025. The training was led by Marilyn Jensen and Thomas Shepherd from the Yukon, who brought extensive experience delivering impactful sessions to Indigenous leaders, staff, and citizens across Canada.  Háw’aa/hawaa to HaiCo’s Board for prioritizing this work, and to everyone who attended.

A two-day workshop was hosted at Ocean House at Tlaga Gawtlaas in Gaw Tlagée Old Massett for representatives from the HaiCo Board, Council of the Haida Nation, Hereditary Chiefs Council, Old Massett Village Council, and Skidegate Band Council. The gathering was further enriched by the support of respected elders Lily Bell and Vonnie Hutchinson.

Reflecting on the experience, Elder Vonnie Hutchinson shared:

"Hawaa for the opportunity to attend the conference. I was impressed by our Northern Cousins. They generated such high-level conversations, and the content was so helpful for our Nation. The venue was awesome and our people there were so nice and helpful."

The training focused on addressing lateral violence—internal harm caused by colonization and intergenerational trauma—and transforming it into lateral kindness, a practice of fostering compassion, understanding, and support within Indigenous communities. The conversations throughout the workshop were powerful and deeply meaningful.

SGiidagiids/Wiigaanad Sidney Crosby spoke to the broader impact of the training, stating:

"It is a lot of work and people think we can move mountains, but if we can do this Lateral Kindness Training in our Nation, we can move Canada."

The event also included a one-day workshop for HaiCo staff at Haida House at Tllall in a condensed one-day format.

HaiCo CEO Letica Hill, a participant in the staff session, emphasized:

"Hosting the workshop on Haida Gwaii reflects a profound commitment to encouraging community wellness and unity. The presence of experienced facilitators—one of whom is Indigenous—added a layer of cultural significance, making the lessons not only more relevant but also deeply impactful."

The success of these sessions was made possible by the many people who contributed their time, skills, and care. Háw’aa/hawaa to Geraldine Russ, who prepared delicious breakfasts and dinners, and to Joyce Bennett for lunch catering during the leadership workshop in Gaw Tlagée. The Haida House kitchen provided beautiful meals for the staff workshop, ensuring participants were well nourished throughout.

HaiCo recognizes and appreciates the many hands who helped bring the Lateral Kindness Training to life on Haida Gwaii. From organizers to Elders, facilitators to food preparers, each person played a vital role in making this gathering a success.

As HaiCo continues to support growth, healing, and unity within the Nation, initiatives like this training reaffirm the importance of leading with kindness, culture, and collective strength.

To learn more about HaiCo and its initiatives, visit www.haico.ca