In Aboriginal society the circle symbolizes the cycles within nature - Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter, and are an important teacher to Native Peoples. Circles stand for respect, equality, inclusiveness and the continual flow of life. We respect that different nations may have different teachings about the circle and how it is used.

The Healing Circle has developed as a very useful tool within Aboriginal communities to start the process of healing and reclaiming of culture after the devastating impact of residential schools, and other historical factors. There was a prophecy given to some nations that the seventh (present day) generation would come and would once again live inside the circle. Then Native people would one day live in harmony with our Mother the Earth. The healing is part of that prophecy as well.

Healing or sharing circles are a time when people or a community can come together and share grief, pain, joy and humour. A group will sit down together in a circle, give thanks or pray for all that is around them, and share within the safety and sacredness of the circle. It is in that circle that we are connecting with all of life, the sacredness and the continuity of that life. By sharing our pains, our losses, or humour, we laugh and we cry. We can heal our mind, bodies and spirit in this way and learn more about sharing and communicating our feelings. Using a talking stick or feather in a healing circle can help the person focus him or herself to have a deeper awareness into their inner world, or inner feelings. As each person has the opportunity to speak, the object gets passed to the next person. It doesn’t have to be in any certain order. When we journey to the centre of our being in ceremony (or when meditating or spending time alone), it is at that time that we are closest to the Creator, or our connection to the universal energies.