Aboriginal Counseling Services of Alberta

06/10/2026

Smudging is self-love.
It is intention, reflection, grounding, and connection.
For many Indigenous people, smudging can be part of preparing the mind, body, heart, and spirit for prayer, conversation, healing, ceremony, and daily life.
Smudging is used to release stress, heavy emotions, negative thoughts, or energy that no longer serves us.
It is simply a moment to pause and reconnect with ourselves.
Healing does not happen all at once.
Sometimes healing begins with slowing down long enough to breathe.
At ACSA, cultural grounded help create spaces where people feel supported, grounded, and connected within community.
What practices help you reconnect with yourself during difficult moments?
WEEK 2 — HEALING & RESILIENCE | Day 10 — Cultural Teaching | Building the Bundle
Help support culturally grounded healing and wellness programming through ACSA:
https://www.canadahelps.org/.../aboriginal-consulting.../

06/10/2026

Healing happens together.

Community reminds us that healing is not something we need to carry alone. Gathering, sharing stories, supporting one another, and creating safe spaces for conversation can strengthen resilience and connection.

Every time we show up for each other, we help keep the fire burning.

At our recent MMIWG2S gathering, community members came together in a Circle of Safety. Creating space for sharing, listening, reflection and support.

Moments like these remind us that healing is strengthened through connection and community.

What community spaces help you feel connected and supported?

Comment below or tag a community organization that has positively impacted your life.

WEEK 1 — ROOTS & IDENTITY | Day 7 — Community Wellness | Preparing the Fire

Help support Indigenous-led healing and wellness initiatives through ACSA:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/aboriginal-consulting-services-association-of-alberta/

06/08/2026

We're Hiring: Executive Director

Aboriginal Counseling Services Association of Alberta (ACSA) is seeking a passionate and visionary Executive Director to lead our organization into its next chapter of growth, healing, and community impact.

For over 30 years, ACSA has walked alongside Indigenous individuals, families, and communities, providing culturally grounded, trauma-informed programs and services that support healing, wellness, and resilience.

We are looking for a strong leader who:
Has experience in leadership, organizational management, and strategic planning.
Understands Indigenous communities, cultures, and the impacts of colonization and intergenerational trauma.
Is committed to strengthening relationships with community, funders, partners, Elders, and stakeholders.
Can support the growth and sustainability of a respected Indigenous organization.

This is an opportunity to help guide meaningful work that impacts Indigenous families and communities across Alberta.

Applications are now being accepted.

To learn more and apply: https://www.aboriginalcounseling.com/jobs-1?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Please share with your networks and help us find the right leader to continue this important work.

We are currently hiring for the position of Executive Director. Applications will be accepted until Friday, June 26, 2026

05/30/2026

Support Local Saturday ✨

Community grows stronger when we support one another.

Today, we want to invite local organizations, small businesses, creators, and community members across the Edmonton area to share their work, services, programs, events, or initiatives in the comments below.

Whether you’re:
- A small business
- A community organization
- A local artist or creator
- Hosting programs or events
- Offering wellness or cultural supports

We’d love to help spread awareness and encourage community connection.

Tag yourself, tag another organization, or share someone in the community doing meaningful work ❤️

Together, we can continue building stronger circles of support, healing, and visibility throughout our communities.

If you feel called to support healing-centered and culturally grounded programs through ACSA, donations can be made here:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/aboriginal-consulting-services-association-of-alberta/

05/29/2026

Feature Friday: Staff Spotlight
In her own words, this is why Cherie does the work she does at ACSA.

“The smell of medicine burning, the circle, the courage it takes for someone to share their story, that’s what stays with me.

I believe healing happens from the inside out through connection, not correction. It’s about building self-love, deepening self-awareness, and reconnecting to who we truly are.

I’ve witnessed women reclaim their voices and their power, their truth and that healing ripples through families and community.

Every time someone shows up, they are putting another log on their home fire, keeping their inner fire strong and strengthening their community.”

— Cherie Potskin
Program Manager

Cherie’s work reflects the heart of what we do at ACSA, supporting individuals and families through culturally grounded care, connection, and healing.

This work continues beyond events. It lives in the everyday moments of support, the safe spaces created, and the relationships built in community.

If this message resonated with you, we invite you to share this post and help create space for healing and connection in our community.

If you feel called to support this work and help expand access to culturally grounded healing, you can donate here:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/aboriginal-counselling-services-association-of-alberta/

05/28/2026

Grounding Series — Part 3 🍃

Grounding can also be something you gently guide yourself through, one step at a time.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

“Tense and relax each muscle group to reduce stress, improve sleep, and promote physical and mental calm.

Work through muscle groups systematically, from head to toe or vice versa. For each group, tense the muscles for 5–10 seconds, then release the tension and relax for 10–30 seconds.

Maintain steady breathing throughout, breathing in and out slowly.

Your conscious focus helps quiet mental chatter and promotes self-awareness. The physical release of tension sends signals to your nervous system, activating the parasympathetic response, helping to slow your heart rate, lower blood pressure, and ease your body.”

— Alyx Stange
Counsellor & Circle Facilitator
Aboriginal Counselling Services of Alberta

As we move into a new month of reflection and community learning, take a moment for yourself today.

Would you try this exercise? Let us know how it feels for you.

If you feel called to support this work, you can donate here:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/aboriginal-consulting-services-association-of-alberta/

05/27/2026

June 6 is Blue Jean Jacket Day 💙

Blue Jean Jacket Day raises awareness for Missing, Murdered, and Exploited Indigenous Men and Boys (MMEIMB) while honouring the lives, families, and communities impacted by this ongoing crisis.

At ACSA, we believe these conversations are important and that continued awareness, education, advocacy, and community support all play a role in reconciliation and healing.

We were honoured to hear Stephanie Harpe speak during our recent Red Dress event, where powerful conversations were shared surrounding advocacy, lived experiences, healing, and the importance of continuing to uplift Indigenous voices.

We encourage community members to attend this important event on June 6 for an afternoon of information sharing and learning.

Date: June 6, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: 9625 Jasper Ave

Wear blue.
Say their names.
Never forget.

05/27/2026

Grounding Series — Part 2 🍃

Grounding can come through culture, connection, shared space and community care.

“In our circles, grounding is rooted in cultural practices. We rely mainly on smudging and prayer. At the start of circle, the smudge helps participants arrive, settle in, and be present in the space.

When things get heavy, we bring the smudge back to allow everyone a chance to pause, reset, and gather themselves without stepping outside the flow of the circle.

Another important part of grounding is the participants themselves. Over time, they begin to support each other through listening, shared experiences, and holding one another accountable in a respectful way. That peer support helps bring people back to a steady place.

It’s less about structured exercises, and more about the consistency of the space, the cultural practices, and the relationships built within the circle.”

— Michael Squire
Program Manager, Men’s Circle of Safety

Take a moment to reflect today.

What helps you feel supported or grounded in your community?

If you feel called to support this work, you can donate here:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/aboriginal-consulting-services-association-of-alberta/

05/26/2026

Grounding Series — Part 1 🍃

Taking a moment to ground yourself can make a difference.

Grounding doesn’t have to be complicated. It can start with something simple like a breath, a pause, a moment of awareness.

In our circles, grounding can come through cultural practices, shared spaces, connection, and simple techniques that bring us back to the present moment.

Take a moment for yourself today.

What helps you feel grounded?
If you feel comfortable, share below.

Take what resonates, move at your own pace, and remember there is no one way to heal.

This week, were sharing a few grounding practices and reflections used within our circles and community spaces.

If you feel called to support this work, you can donate here:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/aboriginal-consulting-services-association-of-alberta/

05/25/2026

Meaningful Monday ❤️

Healing happens in relationship, community, and safe spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported.

Through ACSA’s Circle of Safety programming, individuals are able to gather in culturally grounded spaces rooted in connection, reflection, peer support, and healing. These circles create opportunities for conversation, accountability, wellness, and community care.

Our hope is to continue expanding these spaces and bringing additional circles and supports into community.

If you would like to help support this work, while also entering for your chance to win. You can participate in our ACSA 50/50 fundraiser!

Tickets: $5 each
Draw Date: September 15, 2026
Winner Drawn At: ACSA Office – Edmonton

50% of proceeds support Circle of Safety programming, wellness initiatives, food, supplies, and culturally grounded community supports. The remaining 50% goes to the winning ticket holder.

E-transfer: [email protected]

AGLC Raffle License #: 782053

Thank you for helping support healing through connection and community.