In early summer of 2026, a group of male staff members at Ka Ni Kanichihk began discussing the idea of creating a program designed specifically for men. Traditionally, Ka Ni Kanichihk’s programming has focused on women, children, and families — but as an organization committed to growing alongside the needs of its community, staff saw an opportunity to do more. Together, they began planning a program geared toward men over the age of 18, aimed at helping men in the community heal, learn, and grow.

Wally Chartrand, Ka Ni Kanichihk’s Cultural Advisor and a key advocate in bringing the program to life, shared what motivated him:

“I think it’s just the idea that a lot of times there’s a lack of resources, especially for men. For me, it’s always the idea that we need to create a circle of men that’s focusing not only on just our well-being, but on our health in general. Creating those opportunities for us to learn about healthy, strong relationships as men, and our role within our families and within our communities.”

Five male Ka Ni Kanichihk staff members came together to plan the program, which will run as an unfunded trial, led entirely by this dedicated group of staff. Registration filled in less than 24 hours — a clear sign of the need and interest for more programming for men in the community.

The program will be guided by a framework of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, inviting participants to reflect on and explore their journey as men through three key questions: Yesterday — how did we learn to be men? Today — how are we in relationship with one another, other men, and the women and children in our lives? Tomorrow — what guiding principles and resources can we establish to live healthy lives?

Asked what he hopes participants will take away from the program, Wally shared:

“Hopefully men take away a different perspective in terms of how they look at themselves… I’m hoping what they take away is just a different way of being a man. Walking that path and understanding they’re not alone, they’re not isolated, and some of the challenges that they might be experiencing in life, whether at home or in the community — that there is a circle of other men to support each other.”

Each session will open with a smudging ceremony using sage, a women’s medicine. Wally explains the significance:

“I like the teachings that come with the sage medicine, because women are the ones who carried our wisdom forward as a nation, so by using that medicine, we are reminding men that our role is to support our women and their vision.”

The program begins September 17 and will be hosted primarily out of Ka Ni Kanichihk’s new sweat lodge building at 90 Gertie Street. Sessions will run once a week for 8 weeks, with hope to offer a second session in the spring.