The Asokewin Friendship Centre is celebrating International Women’s Day for the second consecutive year with an event aimed at promoting mental wellness and highlighting the contributions of women in the community.

The event is set for Saturday, March 8, 2025, and will take place at the Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site, bringing together 75 women from across the region.

The theme of this year’s event is “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality.” According to Dominic Hill, Community Wellness Director at Asokewin Friendship Centre, the focus is on mental wellness for women and celebrating their roles in both the local and broader community.

The event is about celebrating the women in our community and the positive impact they have, as well as promoting mental wellness, says Hill, who adds it will also feature Indigenous teachings, artwork and creativity.

Two Indigenous elders will offer teachings throughout the day, including Teresa Strawberry, who will lead a session on smudging, and Lynette Fisher, a motivational speaker and facilitator who was a key part of last year’s inaugural event. Fisher will speak about empowerment and mental wellness, and the event will also feature Teresa Larson-Jonasson, known by her nickname “Corky,” who will offer additional guidance and insight.

Activities planned for the day include Indigenous teachings, wellness workshops, and a catered lunch. Due to weather conditions, the planned snowshoeing activity has been canceled.

Hill says all 75 spots participant spots are filled- and were spoken for within 48 hours of registration opening.

The Asokewin Friendship Centre’s mental wellness program, Four Elements, has been in place for nearly five years and continues to grow in popularity. The program, along with the annual International Women’s Day event, seeks to support mental health and wellness through community-based activities and resources.

Looking ahead, Hill mentioned that the Friendship Centre will continue offering wellness retreats, including an upcoming event on May Long Weekend for men and a Men’s Mental Health Awareness Walk planned for June 15, 2025, which will be held around the five-kilometer loop in Rocky Mountain House.

For more information on the Asokewin Friendship Centre’s upcoming events, click here.