Yellowknife (Nov 05/04) - The woman turns the smooth brown rock over and over in her hands and the other women in the group listen intently as she speaks.

When she is done, she passes the rock on. It moves from hand to hand around the circle and the women each have the chance to say whatever they want, whether it's talking about the problems in their lives or sharing funny stories.

The women's traditional talking circle meets every Monday night in the Roman Empire building on 52nd Avenue. Women have been getting together for stew and sharing for just over a year now.

"Ours has been more successful, in terms of the number of women who have come, than I could have imagined," said Rita Chretien, one of the circle keepers.

About 80 women have come to the circle. Chretien said they've only missed two sessions all year -- Aboriginal Day and Thanksgiving.

Chretien learned about women's talking circles from a Cree elder in Alberta but found that the Dene tradition is similar. "I need to belong to a community of women who are on a healing journey," she said.

The circle's elder is Bessa Blondin, a medicine woman, healer and Dene elder.

"She watches over to make sure everything is done in the right way," said Chretien. "This is a First Nations tradition that we use, but all women are welcome."

Women of every race have come to the circle. It's a place for singing, praying to the creator and sharing in a confidential environment.

"This an extremely safe place," said Roberta Kennedy, a circle participant. "I've shared a lot of stuff in this circle that I've left here."

Women talk about problems at work or in their families. They share their troubles or their triumphs.

"You think when you come that it's people being sad, but it's not," said Chretien. "There's laughter, too."

Stew and bannock are served at 6:30. Child care is provided for the entire time for mothers who want to attend.

"There's no pressure to come every week," said Kennedy. "They come when they need to."

The circle is sponsored by Nats'eju Dahk'e and the city of Yellowknife's special grants program.