Last month, Naqsmist held its second annual Cultivating Safe Spaces Conference. Over 100 people gathered in Kamloops B.C. for two days of workshops, connection, and healing. Madelaine McCallum led us as our emcee, bringing her gifts of love, laughter and dance into the space, establishing the connection in the room from the very first morning. Participants came with the support of their organizations, with the intention of bringing CSS teachings back into their work. People also attended with family, with friends, or came on their own as part of their personal journeys in healing and decolonizing. The week culminated in a one-day in person Train the Trainer session in which Elaine certified 44 new Cultivating Safe Spaces facilitators, adding to our growing network of incredible individuals spreading CSS in various spaces and places. 

This year's conference came at a difficult time for Naqsmist. Recent challenges have meant we have lost team members and have downsized to a very small transitional team. This conference came at a time for our organization where we needed to reconnect with one another and be reminded why we do this work, and for who. These gatherings remind us that we are part of a greater whole, and this community can lift us up to do the work together. 

Workshops included topics such as CSS and True Colours, CSS in climate work, HR, business, and for neurodivergent team members. We held a CSS in Education panel discussion on how CSS is being applied in education from curriculum development, policy shifts, and research. Networking breakouts also allowed attendees to bring these ideas together and discuss and reflect on Cultivating Safe Spaces with individuals in their circles. We finished night one with dinner and entertainment provided by hypnotist Scott Ward. Joining together to share a meal and laughter brought participants and staff together and prepared us for the second day of heart work.

The conference reminded the Naqsmist team how much farther this movement stretches outside of ourselves, and the importance of carrying it forward with the help of our growing network of beautiful individuals lifting up CSS in various industries and everyday life. Growing a business and a movement is hard work with a great deal of uncertainty, but connection reminds us that we aren’t alone in our intentions and that we can’t do the work from fear or control. We do this work with love and intention, because it is worthwhile and important to the health of our people and future generations. 

If there is a photo of you that you don’t wish to be in the gallery, please email [email protected].

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