(File photo/CKOM News staff)

By paNOW Staff

FSIN launches Talking Stick App for First Nation communities

Apr 13, 2022 | 10:07 AM

A new app for First Nations people has launched in Saskatchewan, which provides culture-based support as well as confidential conversations.

The Talking Stick App has been brought forward by the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations as a partnership with TryCycle Data Systems, which is a Canadian company focused on digital health solutions.

“The Talking Stick platform will help in advancing First Nations social support systems and economic development, as 200 community-based First Nations peer advocates will be hired in Saskatchewan,” says FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron in a media release. “Talking Stick is a ‘by First Nations, for First Nations’ approach to encourage anonymous conversations and listening. As First Nations, we traditionally build relationships in person, but with COVID-19, it’s impacted our abilities to connect and pass on stories, knowledge, and wisdom. The Talking Stick App will help in communicating the needs of our people and reduce common barriers that exist today.”

The app has a chat service available in seven languages including Plains Cree, Woodland Cree, Dene, Dakota, Lakota, Nakota, and Salteaux. The theme of the app is Every Voice Matters with an emphasis on job creation, training and skill development.

“The Talking Stick app is a great example of helping people to learn more about vaccinations in an easier and more relatable way. The FSIN created this idea and now are sharing it as a tool across the country,” says Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services. “The Government of Canada will continue to support FSIN on this project, and work with First Nation leaders as they continue to enhance the tools, supports, and resources they need to support their members to feel confident about vaccinations and other issues.”

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The Talking Stick App will also address the challenges First Nation communities are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. They will encourage the use of confidential conversations and listening on vaccine hesitancy, and mental health among other things.

“Talking Stick will help to create hope, supported by courage, with a goal to change. This partnership with FSIN is about investing in First Nations innovation. It’s an opportunity for change and the potential benefits are literally limitless,” says John MacBeth, founder and CEO of TryCycle Data Systems. “This represents taking control in areas that were previously undervalued or underappreciated. When I think about what we’re doing, this is allowing us to do something disruptive, dynamic and allows us to support First Nations potential.”

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

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