Aboriginal Counseling Services of Alberta

06/17/2026

Reflection creates space for healing.

Taking time to reflect on our experiences, teachings, relationships, and growth can help us reconnect with ourselves and our communities. Reflection reminds us how far we have come and helps us move forward with greater understanding and compassion.

At our recent gathering, to***co was shared with community members as part of a moment of reflection, intention and release. After discussion and quite reflection, the to***co was gathered together and later offered to the sacred fire.

Sometimes reflection happens quietly, through conversation, ceremony, community or moments where we allow ourselves to release what we've been holding onto.

What is something you’ve learned about yourself recently?

Share this post to encourage reflection, conversation, and connection within community.

WEEK 1 — ROOTS & IDENTITY | Day 6 — Reflection Prompt | Preparing the Fire

Help support healing-centered spaces and culturally grounded care through ACSA:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/aboriginal-consulting-services-association-of-alberta/

06/16/2026

“Our people are still here. That is resilience.”

Resilience is more than surviving difficult moments. It is the ability to continue carrying culture, language, teachings, and community forward despite hardship.

For many Indigenous families, resilience has lived through generations, through ceremony, caregiving, storytelling, parenting, humor, community, and the choice to continue showing up for one another.

Healing does not erase what happened.
Resilience reminds us we are still here.

Sometimes resilience looks like:
- Resting.
- Reaching out for support.
- Setting boundaries.
- Attending ceremony.
- Returning to culture.
- Choosing to keep going.

Every small step matters.

What does resilience mean to you?

WEEK 2 — HEALING & RESILIENCE | Day 8 — Indigenous Leadership Quote | Building the Bundle

Help support culturally grounded healing, wellness programming, and community connection through ACSA:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/aboriginal-consulting-services-association-of-alberta/

06/15/2026

Trauma can impact the nervous system long after difficult experiences have ended.

Sometimes stress responses can look like withdrawing, anger, hypervigilance, difficulty sleeping, shutting down emotionally and/or always feeling “on edge”.

Healing often begins when people feel emotionally and physically safe enough for their nervous system to slow down.

Connection matters.
Support matters.
Safe relationships matter.

This is one reason culturally grounded healing spaces, community circles, ceremony, and supportive relationships can play such an important role in wellness and recovery.

Healing is not weakness.
Healing is the nervous system learning safety again.

What helps you feel grounded or supported during stressful times?

WEEK 2 — HEALING & RESILIENCE | Day 9 — Mini Education Moment | Building the Bundle

Support Indigenous-led wellness and healing initiatives through ACSA:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/aboriginal-consulting-services-association-of-alberta/

06/10/2026

Smudging is self-love.
It is intention, reflection, grounding, and connection.
For many Indigenous people, smudging can be part of cleansing the mind, body, heart, and spirit for prayer, conversation, healing, ceremony, and daily life.
Smudging is used in mamy ways to release stress, heavy emotions, negative thoughts, or energy that no longer serves us.
It is simply a moment to pause and reconnect with ourselves.
Healing does not happen all at once.
Sometimes healing begins with slowing down long enough to breathe.
At ACSA, cultural grounded help create spaces where people feel supported, grounded, and connected within community.
What practices help you reconnect with yourself during difficult moments?
WEEK 2 — HEALING & RESILIENCE | Day 10 — Cultural Teaching | Building the Bundle
Help support culturally grounded healing and wellness programming through ACSA:
https://www.canadahelps.org/.../aboriginal-consulting.../

06/10/2026

Healing happens together.

Community reminds us that healing is not something we need to carry alone. Gathering, sharing stories, supporting one another, and creating safe spaces for conversation can strengthen resilience and connection.

Every time we show up for each other, we help keep the fire burning.

At our recent MMIWG2S gathering, community members came together in a Circle of Safety. Creating space for sharing, listening, reflection and support.

Moments like these remind us that healing is strengthened through connection and community.

What community spaces help you feel connected and supported?

Comment below or tag a community organization that has positively impacted your life.

WEEK 1 — ROOTS & IDENTITY | Day 7 — Community Wellness | Preparing the Fire

Help support Indigenous-led healing and wellness initiatives through ACSA:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/aboriginal-consulting-services-association-of-alberta/

06/08/2026

We're Hiring: Executive Director

Aboriginal Counseling Services Association of Alberta (ACSA) is seeking a passionate and visionary Executive Director to lead our organization into its next chapter of growth, healing, and community impact.

For over 30 years, ACSA has walked alongside Indigenous individuals, families, and communities, providing culturally grounded, trauma-informed programs and services that support healing, wellness, and resilience.

We are looking for a strong leader who:
Has experience in leadership, organizational management, and strategic planning.
Understands Indigenous communities, cultures, and the impacts of colonization and intergenerational trauma.
Is committed to strengthening relationships with community, funders, partners, Elders, and stakeholders.
Can support the growth and sustainability of a respected Indigenous organization.

This is an opportunity to help guide meaningful work that impacts Indigenous families and communities across Alberta.

Applications are now being accepted.

To learn more and apply: https://www.aboriginalcounseling.com/jobs-1?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Please share with your networks and help us find the right leader to continue this important work.

We are currently hiring for the position of Executive Director. Applications will be accepted until Friday, June 26, 2026

05/30/2026

Support Local Saturday ✨

Community grows stronger when we support one another.

Today, we want to invite local organizations, small businesses, creators, and community members across the Edmonton area to share their work, services, programs, events, or initiatives in the comments below.

Whether you’re:
- A small business
- A community organization
- A local artist or creator
- Hosting programs or events
- Offering wellness or cultural supports

We’d love to help spread awareness and encourage community connection.

Tag yourself, tag another organization, or share someone in the community doing meaningful work ❤️

Together, we can continue building stronger circles of support, healing, and visibility throughout our communities.

If you feel called to support healing-centered and culturally grounded programs through ACSA, donations can be made here:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/aboriginal-consulting-services-association-of-alberta/

05/29/2026

Feature Friday: Staff Spotlight
In her own words, this is why Cherie does the work she does at ACSA.

“The smell of medicine burning, the circle, the courage it takes for someone to share their story, that’s what stays with me.

I believe healing happens from the inside out through connection, not correction. It’s about building self-love, deepening self-awareness, and reconnecting to who we truly are.

I’ve witnessed women reclaim their voices and their power, their truth and that healing ripples through families and community.

Every time someone shows up, they are putting another log on their home fire, keeping their inner fire strong and strengthening their community.”

— Cherie Potskin
Program Manager

Cherie’s work reflects the heart of what we do at ACSA, supporting individuals and families through culturally grounded care, connection, and healing.

This work continues beyond events. It lives in the everyday moments of support, the safe spaces created, and the relationships built in community.

If this message resonated with you, we invite you to share this post and help create space for healing and connection in our community.

If you feel called to support this work and help expand access to culturally grounded healing, you can donate here:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/aboriginal-counselling-services-association-of-alberta/

05/28/2026

Grounding Series — Part 3 🍃

Grounding can also be something you gently guide yourself through, one step at a time.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

“Tense and relax each muscle group to reduce stress, improve sleep, and promote physical and mental calm.

Work through muscle groups systematically, from head to toe or vice versa. For each group, tense the muscles for 5–10 seconds, then release the tension and relax for 10–30 seconds.

Maintain steady breathing throughout, breathing in and out slowly.

Your conscious focus helps quiet mental chatter and promotes self-awareness. The physical release of tension sends signals to your nervous system, activating the parasympathetic response, helping to slow your heart rate, lower blood pressure, and ease your body.”

— Alyx Stange
Counsellor & Circle Facilitator
Aboriginal Counselling Services of Alberta

As we move into a new month of reflection and community learning, take a moment for yourself today.

Would you try this exercise? Let us know how it feels for you.

If you feel called to support this work, you can donate here:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/aboriginal-consulting-services-association-of-alberta/

05/27/2026

June 6 is Blue Jean Jacket Day 💙

Blue Jean Jacket Day raises awareness for Missing, Murdered, and Exploited Indigenous Men and Boys (MMEIMB) while honouring the lives, families, and communities impacted by this ongoing crisis.

At ACSA, we believe these conversations are important and that continued awareness, education, advocacy, and community support all play a role in reconciliation and healing.

We were honoured to hear Stephanie Harpe speak during our recent Red Dress event, where powerful conversations were shared surrounding advocacy, lived experiences, healing, and the importance of continuing to uplift Indigenous voices.

We encourage community members to attend this important event on June 6 for an afternoon of information sharing and learning.

Date: June 6, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: 9625 Jasper Ave

Wear blue.
Say their names.
Never forget.