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INUVIK - A first-of-its-kind, on-the-land workshop being held this week is aimed at helping residential school survivors deal with their loss and grief.

The sessions are being held at the Gwich'in Wellness Camp located on the Mackenzie Delta.

Psychologist Romeo Beatch is one of the facilitators of the Grief and Loss workshop currently being offered at the Gwich'in Wellness Camp on the Delta. The sessions are happening this week and next week. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

The camp is located roughly 10 km out of town, which can take 15 minutes to reach by truck, following the winding river.

The all-inclusive workshop gives the participants a place to stay and eat while taking part in healing discussions.

Jennifer Johnston, executive director of the camp, said the workshop has room for 12 people at a time.

Two visiting psychologists are in town, working as facilitators of the workshop. Two elders are also there to lend support. Johnston said the group of participants arrived at the camp on Monday and will leave on Friday afternoon.

"We want the group to stay together and build trust within themselves," she said.

Because of the funding from Health Canada, one of the main requirements of this initial workshop is that each participant have some experience with residential schools.

"They don't have to have been a student. They could also be the family member of someone who went to residential school," said Johnston.

Because there is high demand for the workshop, Johnston said another identical is being held next week, following the current session.

She said the co-ordinators are still accepting applications for the next one.

During the workshops, Johnston said she is in charge of keeping the participants comfortable.

"I look over the rooms and the food we're serving to the participants," she said.

"I also make sure the staff have what they need to perform their duties."

Johnston said the participants have access to a land line phone and Internet during the week.

"We also have cell phone capability and satellite TV," said Johnston.

Facilitator Romeo Beatch of Saskatchewan said the workshops have been focusing on sharing experiences.

"It's really a group process," said Beatch.

"All of the participants have knowledge and wisdom that will come forward during their discussions as a group."

Beatch said he hopes the participants will have a greater understanding of the grieving process and dealing with loss.

"When the program is done on Friday afternoon, I want the people to feel lighter and more positive," he said.

Beatch said the facilitators are taking a holistic approach to the subject.

"We have to acknowledge the effect that loss has on our spiritual life," he said.

The discussions are group-based, but Beatch said the facilitators are always available for personal sessions as well.

Co-facilitator Nirrie Kistan has been working in Inuvik for the past three years as a mental health consultant.

Kistan said the remote location for the workshop is a good idea because it gives the participants a chance to get away and settle their issues.

"It's not that far from town, yet it's far enough that people feel a connection to the land," she said.

Jeffrey Amos is a residential health support worker who is also assisting in the workshop.

"Right now, I'm assisting the co-ordinator in holding these sessions," he said.

Another of Amos' responsibilities was to find elders who could offer their support during the sessions.

"They're here to provide another level of emotional support," said Amos.

Amos said he hopes to bring the participants on nature walks, and, weather permitting, do some netting for fish.

Susan Peffer is one of the elders brought in to take part in the discussions over the next few weeks.

Peffer said she is there to lend an ear or to offer advice.

She said the location is a great place to start their process of dealing with loss and grief.

"Just being out here is good for everyone," she said.

"You can't hear the noise of cars, or any other distractions. We're all out here in a group setting," she said.

Peffer said she is looking forward to spending some one-on-one time with the participants as well.

"We have a lot of opportunities during the down time, because we're all out here for the full week," she said.