Spirit Builder
Want to be a Spirit Builder? Click here to register now!
What is a Spirit Builder?
The Spirit Builder are dedicated to spreading radical kindness, and contributing to the resurgence of Anishinaabe culture. Nokiiwin Tribal Council is working to train, equip, and support Spirit Builders in our communities and beyond.
How do I become a Spirit Builder?
The first step is to take the Spirit Builder Training, also known as Indigenous Cultural Competency and Trauma-Informed Training. This is offered through a partnership of Nokiiwin Tribal Council and Glendon College at York University. We offer this training several times a year, and you can sign up here. Nokiiwin can also offer this training for organizations or communities on demand. Please contact Erin for more information.
Who can become a Spirit Builder? 
This movement is for everyone, including both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. The Two-Row Wampum principle shows how Indigenous and non-Indigenous people can have a relationship built on trust, friendship, and mutual respect. The Wampum depticts two watercraft moving down a river in paralell: sharing the journey but not interfering. Non-Indigenous people can become Spirit Builders to learn about and support Indigenous people without trying to steer their canoe.
Some of the content of the Spirit Builder training is more apporpriate for adult audiences. For youth who are interested in this content, consider Nokiiwin's Junior Spirit Builder program.
What will we learn in the Spirit Builder training?
The Spirit Builder training takes Indigenous stories and wisdom and applies them to the difficult problems facing Indigenous people on Turtle Island. Topics include the history of Indigenous people and their interactions with settlers, normative and lateral violence, trauma responses, and the power of kindness. However, the Spirit Builder movement is not just about learning content. It is about joining a community that is dedicated to the ongoing work of cultural resurgence and genuine reconciliation.
What is the 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. Since then hundreds of people across the country have taken the training and can call themselves Spirit Builders. The next offering of this course starts March 6, 2026.
What is a Master Spirit Builder?
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.
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!