Spirit Builder

Want to be a Spirit Builder? Click here to register now!

 

The Spirit Builder movement is dedicated to spreading radical kindness. Spirit Builders contribute to the resurgence of Anishinaabe culture. Nokiiwin Tribal Council is working to train, equip, and support Spirit Builders in our communities and beyond.

 

History of the Spirit Builder Movement

In 2017, Nokiiwin's Executive Director, Audrey Gilbeau, invited Maya Chacaby to lead a 5-day gathering on combating lateral violence in the workplace. But instead of focusing on “lateral violence,” Maya offered teachings on Lateral Kindness and the Long Remembering—a return to stories, ways of being, and community healing. That week, something sparked. Regional Chief Isadore Day reminded everyone that this work is an inside job, and from that moment, Spirit Building was born.

That gathering planted the seed of the Spirit Builder movement. Maya brought the teachings to Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg, co-creating a community Bundle. From there, Nokiiwin and Maya grew Spirit Builder sessions, and a deeply resonant 6-day Indigenous Cultural Competencies and Trauma-Informed Practice Certificate with Glendon College. The next offering of this course is in the Winter of 2026.

 

Master Spirit Builders

Master Spirit Builders are individuals who have completed an apprenticeship equipping them to deliver the Spirit Builder training. You can see a list of the current Master Spirit Builders here. If you have completed the Spirit Builder training and want to take the next step, this is designed to deepen your practice and support your leadership within your community and beyond. The next chance to become a Master Spirit Builder is happening in September 2025.

 

The Path of the Sweetgrass Warrior

Becoming a Spirit Builder means making a lifelong commitment to meaningful reconciliation. There are no short cuts. However, if you want a sampling of what Spirit Building is about you can get an online version of the Sweetgrass Teachings here. Spread kindness!