August 30th - September 1st , 2026
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STAND STRONG
Men’s & Young Men’s Wellness Gathering
What to ExpectStand Strong is a three-day wellness and healing gathering for Cold Lake First Nations men and young men ages 13 and older. Held at Métis Crossing, the gathering creates space for honest conversations, cultural connection, personal growth, and practical learning.
Participants will be supported to step away from daily pressures, reflect on where they are, and strengthen the skills, relationships, and sense of purpose needed to move forward.
❋ Culture and Identity
Connect with cultural teachings, values, and experiences that strengthen identity, belonging, and responsibility.
❋ Wellness and Healing
Take part in guided conversations and activities focused on emotional wellness, healthy coping, self-awareness, and healing.
❋ Real Conversations
Engage in respectful and honest discussions about the challenges facing men and young men today, without pressure or judgment.
❋ Leadership and Growth
Explore what it means to lead yourself, support others, and contribute positively to your family and community.
❋ Life Skills and Purpose
Build practical tools for decision-making, communication, accountability, relationships, and setting a positive direction.
❋ A Safe and Supportive Environment
Explore what it means to lead yourself, support others, and contribute positively to your family and community.
Experienced facilitators will guide the gathering with care, structure, confidentiality, and respect. Participants can engage at their own pace while being encouraged to take part.
Event InformationDates: August 30 to September 1, 2026 Location: Métis Crossing, 17339 Victoria Trail, Smoky Lake, Alberta Eligibility: Cold Lake First Nations men and young men, ages 13 and older Registration: Limited spaces are available Program: Travel on August 30, followed by two full days of programming Ready to Take Part? Stand Strong is an opportunity to connect, reflect, and build a stronger direction alongside other men and young men from the community. Real Talk. Real Healing. Real Change.
Submitting the registration form does not automatically confirm your participation. The Cold Lake First Nations Integrated Services team will review registrations and contact selected participants with confirmation, travel information, required forms, and further instructions.
Naomi Muskego
Case Manager
Cold Lake First Nations | Social Development
Horelyu Dene Ts'edi Kue
naomi.muskego@clfns.com
Chantel Flett
Case Manager
Cold Lake First Nations | Social Development
Horelyu Dene Ts'edi Kue
chantel.flett@clfns.com
Phone: 780-594-7186
Day 1 - August 30th, 2026Arrival, Connection and Setting Intentions
A welcoming evening focused on building trust, establishing group expectations, and preparing participants for the wellness journey ahead.
3:00 to 5:30 p.m. – Arrival, Registration and Check-In 5:30 p.m. – Welcome, Opening Remarks and Gathering Overview 6:00 p.m. – Group Activity: Introductions and Building Connections 6:30 p.m. – Supper 7:30 p.m. – Creative Workshop: Identity, Personal Story and Self-Expression 9:00 p.m. – Evening Reflection Circle and Setting Personal Intentions 9:30 p.m. – Optional Social Time, Board Games and Recreation 10:30 p.m. – Evening Wrap-Up and Personal Time
Day 2: Monday, August 31, 2026Real Talk, Healing and Personal Growth
A full day of cultural grounding, honest conversations, guest speakers, practical workshops, and activities that strengthen wellness, identity, relationships, and personal responsibility.
7:30 a.m. – Morning Coffee and Light Refreshments
8:00 a.m. – Pipe Ceremony and Cultural Opening
8:45 a.m. – Breakfast
9:30 a.m. – Presentation: Understanding Men’s Wellness and the Healing Journey
10:30 a.m. – Coffee Break
10:45 a.m. – Guest Speaker: Lived Experience, Resilience and Moving Forward
12:00 p.m. – Lunch
1:00 p.m. – Workshop: Identity, Emotions and Healthy Coping
2:15 p.m. – Wellness Break
2:30 p.m. – Small-Group Conversations: Challenges Facing Men and Young Men
3:30 p.m. – Team-Building Activity: Communication, Trust and Cooperation
4:30 p.m. – Personal Reflection and Group Check-In
5:00 p.m. – Free Time
6:00 p.m. – Supper
7:00 p.m. – Evening Activity: Interactive Games and Team Challenges
8:30 p.m. – Fireside Sharing Circle or Guided Group Conversation
9:30 p.m. – Board Games, Recreation and Social Time
10:30 p.m. – Evening Wrap-Up and Personal Time
Day 3: Tuesday, September 1, 2026We explore the possibilities beyond this moment, making space for growth, action, and forward momentum. As we end our time together, we honor the experience, the growth, and the connections made along the way.
Purpose, Planning and Moving Forward
7:30 a.m. – Morning Coffee and Light Refreshments 8:00 a.m. – Morning Cultural Grounding and Reflection 8:30 a.m. – Breakfast 9:15 a.m. – Group Check-In and Reflections from Day Two 9:45 a.m. – Guest Speaker: Leadership, Responsibility and Positive Direction 10:45 a.m. – Coffee Break 11:00 a.m. – Workshop: Healthy Relationships, Communication and Boundaries 12:00 p.m. – Lunch 1:00 p.m. – Personal Action Planning: Putting the Wheels in Motion 1:45 p.m. – Building a Personal Wellness and Support Plan 2:15 p.m. – Commitments, Next Steps and Accountability 2:30 p.m. – Closing Circle, Participant Reflections and Cultural Closing 3:00 p.m. – Gathering Concludes and Departure
Five simple steps to register and prepare for the Stand Strong Men’s & Young Men’s Wellness Summit.How It Works
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Review the event information, eligibility requirements, dates, location, and program overview to make sure the gathering is right for you.
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If you have questions or need help registering, contact the Cold Lake First Nations Integrated Services team. Staff can explain the process and help you complete the next steps.
Phone: 780-594-7186
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Fill out and submit the online registration form with accurate contact, eligibility, transportation, accommodation, dietary, and emergency information.
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Submitting the form does not guarantee a space. The Integrated Services team will review your registration and contact you with confirmation, travel arrangements, required forms, and further instructions.
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Once confirmed, prepare for your stay at Métis Crossing from August 30 to September 1, 2026. Bring the recommended personal items and come ready to connect, participate, learn, and move forward.