b'TECHNOLOGYEvery Voice MattersTalking Stick app opens dialogue through new technology platformTHE FEDERATION OF SOVEREIGNTalking Stick is a Nation-to-Nationis about investing in First Nations Indigenous Nations (FSIN) Executiveprogram. The peer advocate networkinnovation. Its an opportunity has partnered with TryCycle Dataand infrastructure are designed tofor change, and the potential Systems (TDS), a Canadian digitalcompensate for the lack of resourcesbenefits are literally limitless. This health solutions company, inand cultural supports that exist todayrepresents taking control in areas launching a new platform called thefor First Nations people. that were previously undervalued or Talking Stick app. The First Nationsunderappreciated.When I think about peer support platform providesThe Talking Stick app is a greatwhat were doing, this is allowing us to culture-based support and confidentialexample of helping people learn moredo something disruptive and dynamic, conversations. about vaccination in easier and moreand allows us to support Firstrelatable ways. The FSIN built this ideaNations potential.The Talking Stick platform will helpand are now sharing this idea and tool in advancing First Nations socialacross the country. The GovernmentThe anonymous chat platform will support systems and economicof Canada will continue to supportprovide a safe destination for any development, as 200 community-basedFSIN on this project and work withFirst Nations member to share, in First Nations peer advocates will beFirst Nations leaders as they continueconfidence, their concerns, fears, hired in Saskatchewan, said FSINto enhance the tools, supports andquestions and emotions related to Chief Bobby Cameron. Talking Stickresources they need to support theirvaccine anxiety, pandemic-related is a by First Nations, for First Nationsmembers to feel confident aboutdistress and other culturally specific approach to encourage anonymousvaccination, said the Honourabletopics as they emerge, said FSIN conversations and listening. AsPatty Hajdu, Minister of IndigenousVice Chief David Pratt. The Talking First Nations, we traditionally buildServices. Stick app encourages non-judgmental relationships in person, but COVID-19conversations with community-[has] impacted our ability to connectThrough Talking Stick, wellbased peer advocates who are trained and pass on stories, knowledge andlearn from the unique challengesto listen. The peers who are from wisdom. The Talking Stick app willand emotional impacts affectingand engaged with First Nations help in communicating the needscommunities in these difficult timescommunities are the best equipped of our people and reduce commonin a worldwide pandemic. Talkingto understand the challenges and barriers that exist today. Stick will encourage confidentialobstacles of their peoples. This conversations and listening as it relatesprogram will create a first-of-its-kind Every voice mattersis the themeto vaccine hesitancy, mental wellnesspeer advocate network to support of Talking Stick, a commitmentand emotional health, violence andcommunity health and healing.to language, inclusion and self- anger, isolation (depression, stress, determination with an emphasisloneliness), trauma, grief and loss. The FSIN represents 74 First Nations on job creation, skills developmentin Saskatchewan. FSIN is committed and training. The app has a chatThe Talking Stick platform we createdto honouring the spirit and intent of service, which is available in sevenwill help create hope, supported bythe Treaties, as well as the promotion, First Nations languages: Plains Cree,courage, with a goal to change, saidprotection and implementation of the Woodland Cree, Dene, Dakota,John MacBeth, Founder and CEO ofTreaty promises that were made more Lakota, Nakota and Salteaux.TDS. This partnership with FSINthan a century ago. 24OUR PRIORITY Issue 12021/22'