Circles are everywhere in our lives. The way the seasons change from spring to summer to fall to winter and then start all over again is a symbol of a circle in nature.  Circles are powerful to First Nations people. They stand for respect, equality, and they bring people together.

Many Aboriginal people have something called a Healing Circle. These circles let people come together to share their joy, their pain, their grief and even a few laughs. As a group people sit in a circle and give thanks, pray, and share their hopes and fears.

People don’t talk over one another in the Healing Circle. Instead a talking stick or feather is used to make sure that everyone gets their fair chance to talk about how they feel.  Sharing these emotions helps us understand and work through them in a healthy way.