KAIROS Prairies North

Voices from the Rivers of Abya Yala and Turtle Island
Saturday, September 12 
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saskatchewan time 
Edmonton and online 

Join us on Saturday, September 12 in Edmonton or online for a public gathering that brings together activists from the rivers of Abya Yala and Turtle Island. Through stories, dialogue and shared learning, partners Kelly Paola Téllez Mantilla and Paola Chindoy will engage with Indigenous and settler participants in and around Edmonton to explore connections, deepen relationships and strengthen collective action for justice.

Water is the first medicine and the source of all life. Indigenous women hold a sacred relationship with water, carrying teachings of care, protection and responsibility for the generations yet to come. Voices from the Rivers of Abya Yala and Turtle Island honours the shared leadership, wisdom and resilience of Indigenous women who continue to defend and protect the waters that connect us all. Violence against women and violence against the land and waters are deeply connected. Join us to explore these relationships and the ways women’s connections to water, land and territory can be sources of strength, resilience and resistance for all.  

Participants will take part in two immersive learning experiences: the KAIROS Blanket Exercise, facilitated by Indigenous leaders from Turtle Island, and Cuerpo Territorio (Body-Territory) activities led by facilitators from Abya Yala. Together, these exercises invite participants to engage with history, place and lived experience through both body and land. Following the exercises there will be a circle time to reflect and bring forward the connections between them

Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society
Parkdale School
11648 – 85 Street
Edmonton, Alberta

Cost: $20 includes lunch. Cost is waived for Indigenous people, students and online participants. See the schedule below the bios.

Register here.

This gathering is co-sponsored by the KAIROS Prairies North coordinating committee, the Decolonization Group, and the Voices from the Rivers of Abya Yala and Turtle Island exchange.  

The exchange is part of KAIROS’ Women Peacebuilders at the Nexus of Climate, Conflict and Gender project — co-funded by Global Affairs Canada — which strengthens women’s leadership and collective action for climate justice and sustainable peace. 

Bios, schedule and other updates can be found in the calendar post.

Additional regional 2026 gatherings will be added as they become available. 

See the Events Calendar for more local and national events.

Seeking KAIROS Volunteers

Several regions are looking for new members for their Coordinating Committees. Each region has its own rhythm and style – longer meetings a few times a year or quick one-hour meetings once a month. They connect with local groups and a variety of initiatives. Some write regional newsletters or host regular prayer times. Each is asked to coordinate regional gatherings about once a year. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Shannon at sneufeldt@kairoscanada.org.