Fire Keepers – Men’s Wellness Summit

Culturally grounded gatherings for men focused on wellness, responsibility, and community leadership

January 10th 2026

Fire Keepers – Men’s Wellness Summit is a community-led gathering that brings men together in a respectful, culturally grounded space to listen, reflect, and support one another. These summits are guided by Elders, cultural leaders, and experienced facilitators, and focus on men’s wellness, grief and loss, leadership, and strengthening families and communities.

Fire Keepers creates space for men of all ages to reconnect with teachings, responsibility, and positive roles within their families and communities.

WHY THIS GATHERING MATTERS

Many men do not have access to safe, culturally relevant spaces where they can speak openly, learn from Elders, and reflect on their responsibilities without judgment. Fire Keepers responds to this need by offering a preventative, community-based approach to men’s wellness that centers culture, accountability, and lived experience.

These gatherings support:

  • Men’s mental, emotional, and cultural wellness

  • Intergenerational knowledge sharing

  • Leadership development and responsibility

  • Community connection and healing

WHAT WE LEARNED

  • Men want more spaces that are culturally grounded and community-led

  • Intergenerational teaching is critical, especially for youth

  • Grief, loss, and responsibility need to be addressed openly

  • Gathering in circle builds trust and accountability

These learnings directly inform the planning of the next Fire Keepers summit.

PARTICIPANT & ELDER FEEDBACK

  • Elder Reflection

    “As an Elder, I know these teachings, but what stood out to me was the importance of younger generations hearing this directly. Our grandchildren and youth do not always receive these teachings from parents or grandparents, and that is something we need to address. We are in a crisis, and these teachings matter now more than ever.”

    — Elder – Elvin N —

  • Respectful and welcoming

    “It was exhilarating with so many men sharing their views, I can't wait until the next gathering. My son also is looking towards the next one.
    Well done guys.”

    — Reg B —

  • Meaningful and needed

    “I feel us men all have that flame within us. From personal experiences I have made many good decisions but also not so many good decisions. This fire keepers summit and the brotherhood that is being created will help us learn how to maintain that fire within us and harness it so we can start making positive impacts within ourselves, our families and our communities.”

    — Dexter G —

  • A reminder of responsibility and connection

    “I enjoyed the fellowship. It is always an  inspiration to be with fellow knowledge keepers. I would be honored to be included in the next Gathering Hiy Hiy.”

    — Sidney C —

LOOKING AHEAD – APRIL 2026

Next Fire Keepers – Men’s Wellness Summit II

Planned for April 2026
Two-Day Gathering

Building on the January summit, the next Fire Keepers gathering will expand into a two-day format. The focus will include:

  • Grief and loss

  • Healing and responsibility

  • Identifying what is working well in communities

  • Sharing strengths and positive practices between communities

This next gathering will continue to centre Elder guidance, cultural protocols, and respectful dialogue while allowing more time for deeper reflection and connection.

PARTNERSHIP & SUPPORT

Fire Keepers – Men’s Wellness Summit is made possible through community collaboration and partnership. Support may include:

  • Financial contributions

  • In-kind support

  • Community participation

  • Elder and cultural leadership

Organizations and partners interested in supporting future Fire Keepers gatherings are invited to connect.

Call to Action:
If you are interested in partnering, supporting, or learning more about Fire Keepers – Men’s Wellness Summit, please contact us.

Sponsors:

3% Cover the Fee

The General Fund supports our ongoing men’s wellness, youth leadership, and community capacity building work across Saskatchewan. Donations help us deliver culturally grounded programs, cover facilitation costs, travel to communities, provide materials, and respond quickly when communities request support. New Direction Consulting is an Indigenous owned organization. Donations support program delivery, community engagement, and operational costs. Donations are not currently eligible for charitable tax receipts. Thank You

WHO WE ARE

New Direction Miyo-Pimâtisiwin Leadership Consulting is an Indigenous-owned consulting and wellness business focused on men’s wellness, youth leadership, and culturally grounded community programming. Our work is guided by lived experience, accountability, and a commitment to long-term community impact.