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CALL FOR ANIMAL STORIES

ABOUT THE CONTEST

We are inviting First Nations individuals from across Manitoba to share stories of life promotion inspired by the teachings of animals like the Eagle (Love), Wolf (Humility), Bear (Courage), Buffalo (Respect), Butterfly (Transformation), Beaver (Wisdom), Sabe (Honesty), and Turtle (Truth). These stories will help shape Looking Out for One Another, a First Nations-led Suicide Prevention and Life Promotion training that is rooted in traditional teachings, culture, and healing.

We also hope to hear stories and teachings of other animals, especially those important to First Nations cultures and languages in Manitoba, such as the Loon, Moose, Caribou, Horse, and others.

WHY LIFE PROMOTION STORIES?

In First Nations traditions, animals carry profound teachings that guide us in our journey of life, teaching us about resilience, hope, and connection. By sharing these stories, we can:

  • Celebrate traditional knowledge and its role in healing.

  • Inspire community strength and life promotion.

  • Support the development of culturally rooted training.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

We encourage you to share a short story about life promotion inspired by animal teachings:

  • Format: Written stories (approximately 1 page), audio recordings (up 3 to 5 minutes), or other short creative formats.

  • Focus: Stories should embody the wisdom and lessons of animals—love, courage, humility, transformation, truth, and caring for one another—while highlighting their connection to life promotion, hope, resilience, and mental wellness. They may also share experiences of overcoming trauma, lessons learned through loss, or messages of hope for others navigating grief and healing.

  • First Nations perspective: Submissions should reflect First Nations perspectives and experiences related to life promotion and mental wellness.

  • Ownership and usage rights:Storytellers retain copyright over their work while granting FNHSSM permission to use submissions for the training curriculum and content, with the understanding that submissions for which an honorarium is paid may be featured in current or future activities.

  • Language: Stories are welcome in Indigenous languages or English. If not in English, please provide a translation.

  • Who Can Submit: Open to First Nations individuals and groups in Manitoba.

  • Deadline: March 31, 2025.

  • How to Submit: Please follow this link to upload your story and waiver and consent form

HONORARIUM

We value your contributions! An honorarium will be provided for submissions:

  • $100 for individual stories.

  • $250 for group submissions.

Honoraria will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. Only one submission per individual or group, please.

HOW YOUR STORIES WILL BE USED

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Your stories will help enrich the Looking Out for One Another training curriculum by grounding it in teachings that promote life, connection, and healing. The purpose of the training is to provide a culturally grounded, First Nations-led approach to suicide intervention. Rooted in traditional teachings, culture, history, and language, it aims to equip community members with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to help those around them who might be thinking about suicide. Selected stories may also be shared with communities and future trainees to inspire hope and life.

ABOUT SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT & RESEARCH INITIATIVES

For questions or more information, please contact us at:
Email: esjoblom@fnhssm.com
Phone: 204-880-3094

Last Updated: 2025-02-14

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