Facilitation
Good facilitation allows people to focus on the conversation rather than managing the process.
We work with clients to understand the purpose of the session, identify who needs to be involved, and design an approach that fits the people and circumstances. This can include agenda development, discussion questions, session materials, and other preparation needed to support the conversation.
We are comfortable working with straightforward discussions as well as difficult or sensitive conversations. Our role is to listen, guide the process, adapt when needed, and create space for participants to work through the issues in front of them.
Meetings & Focus Groups
We facilitate Board meetings, staff meetings, leadership discussions, annual general meetings, focus groups, and other focused group sessions.
We work with clients to understand the purpose of the session and develop the agenda, questions, or discussion structure needed to support it. During the session, we guide discussion, manage time, probe where greater detail is needed, and create space for participants to share different perspectives. This allows participants to focus on the conversation, issues, and decisions in front of them rather than managing the process itself.
Where focus groups are being used to gather information or perspectives, we can also support the analysis and synthesis of what was heard.
Workshops & Training
Debwe designs and delivers workshops and training sessions around the client's objectives, audience, and subject matter. Training can be developed for First Nations, Inuit and Métis governments, communities, and organizations based on their particular needs and the areas in which Debwe can provide useful knowledge and experience.
For non-Indigenous organizations, Debwe can provide distinctions-based Indigenous engagement training and culturally focused learning designed around the needs of the organization. Training can also be incorporated into team retreats, combining cultural learning with facilitated discussion, reflection, and other activities appropriate to the group.
Sessions can combine presentations, facilitated discussion, exercises, small-group work, and other approaches appropriate to the topic. We can develop a session from the ground up or work with existing materials and subject-matter experts to turn their knowledge into an effective learning experience.
Retreats & Strategic Planning
Retreats give Boards, leadership teams, and staff dedicated time to work on issues that can be difficult to address during regular operations.
We design and facilitate retreats and strategic planning sessions around the client's priorities. This may include organizational direction, priorities, planning, governance, team development, or a specific challenge that requires focused discussion.
Clients can retain Debwe for facilitation and session design alone or combine these services with our event planning and coordination support.
Bridging Community and
Institutional Language
How people speak in community is not always how governments, institutions, lawyers, or policy professionals speak. Having lived and worked in both worlds, Chad understands those differences and can help bridge them.
Good facilitation should not require people to adopt institutional language to participate or be understood. We create space for people to speak in ways that are natural to them, while helping ensure their meaning, knowledge, and perspectives are understood by everyone in the room.