For immediate release
Prince George, BC – Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) welcomes community members, leaders, and partners to the 4th Annual Strength in Solidarity Men’s Conference from June 22 – 24 at the Prince George Civic Centre. The three-day gathering will bring men together in a supportive, culturally grounded environment to strengthen wellness, connection, and healing.
CSFS is proud to use this event to build upon its Men’s Health Strategy, aligning programs and services with the evolving needs of the Indigenous men across the Nations we serve. The strategy will focus on holistic wellness, including mental health, substance use supports, cultural connection, and opportunities for men to come together in meaningful ways.
The conference itself reflects this renewed approach by bringing together men from CSFS member Nations to share experiences and uphold one another.
“The Men’s Conference is an important opportunity to reconnect with community and to listen,” says Travis Holyk, Chief Administrative Officer at CSFS. “Heart disease, cancer and mental wellness continue to top the list of health concerns for men. With presenters focused on everything from substance use to cancer, we will take this opportunity to move forward together and action our men’s health strategy to ensure it reflects what men are telling us they need, which includes programs rooted in culture and focused on long-term wellness.”
CSFS has long recognized the importance of specific supports for Indigenous men, with ongoing efforts to provide services aimed at holistic wellness and building connections within communities. The reinvigoration of the Men’s Health Strategy represents an organizational focus on advancing that work in collaboration with the Nations we serve.
“First Nations continue to advance and enhance health and wellness programs, services, and policies. While Indigenous health is slightly improving, much more work needs to be done,” says Dr. Warner Adam, CSFS CEO. “Unfortunately, men’s health compared with other genders is lagging. One of the goals is to gain insights from men so that we can develop a framework on how to best design and deliver programs for Indigenous men. The wisdom and teaching of our people continue to shape equity and fairness within the health care system, thus improving services for all humanity.”
“By coming together, we are strengthening the bonds that uplift our Nations,” says Chief Priscilla Mueller, President of CSFS. “This conference is about creating space for men to heal, to support one another, and to carry that strength back to their families and communities. When we invest in the wellbeing of our men, we are investing in the future of our people.”
The Strength in Solidarity Men’s Conference features workshops, sports such as golf and fastball, wellness sessions, cultural activities, and opportunities for participants to learn from one another in a safe and welcoming environment. Participants will hear keynotes from partners and motivational speakers such as JR LaRose, Damien Ketlo, Guy Felicella, Brady Leavold, and more. The event is expected to draw participants from across the Nations CSFS serves and bring together men in a shared commitment to improve outcomes for Indigenous men, their families, and their communities.