Awareness, Connection and Community
September is International FASD Awareness Month—a time to strengthen understanding, reduce stigma, and celebrate the people, families, and communities who make a difference every day.
This year’s theme, “Everyone Plays a Part: It Takes a Community,” was reflected throughout the Mackenzie region as neighbours, families, schools, local businesses, agencies, and community partners came together to learn, connect, and show their support.
For our team at the NWR FASD Society – Mackenzie Network, September was a busy month filled with opportunities to raise awareness, connect families with resources, and build relationships throughout our communities.
Walking Together for International FASD Awareness Day
One of the highlights of the month was our International FASD Awareness Day on Wednesday, September 9, which began with our 9 Block Awareness Walk in High Level.
Community members gathered at the High Level Arena parking lot before setting out together at 9:09 a.m.—a meaningful time that recognizes the ninth day of the ninth month and the nine months of pregnancy.
Before the walk, we were honoured to have Minister Dan Williams join us and share a few words with the community about the importance of awareness and support.
The walk brought together families, community members, schools, local businesses, and organizations, all walking together to make FASD more visible and show support for individuals and families affected by FASD.
Later that afternoon, the community gathered again at the NWR FASD Society office for a Community BBQ. It was a wonderful opportunity to share a meal, spend time with neighbours, connect with local supports, and continue conversations around FASD.
Overall there were at least 650 people that attended the event.
International FASD Day Awareness Walk 2026
Community BBQ
Reaching Men with a Message of Support – Men’s Golf Tournament
September 13, our team set up our information booth inside the Fox Haven Golf club and a mocktail station near the ninth hole in the Men’s Golf Tournament. The ninth hole signifying the nine months of pregnancy. This gave us an opportunity to connect with men in the community and share information about how men can support healthy pregnancies.
Conversations around alcohol-free pregnancies often focus on the person who is pregnant, but partners, family members, friends, and the wider community can all play an important role in creating a supportive environment.
With over 60 golfers and others individuals reached, the tournament was a great opportunity to connect with the community in a fun and relaxed setting. It allowed us to share information, provide resources, and spread awareness about FASD while reminding everyone that Everyone Plays a Part!!
Upper right picture Executive Director Gaye Carpenter , Michelle Alfonso- Operations coordinator and Program Coach Launa Loyie. Bottom right Program director Wanda Beland, Gaye Carpenter and Launa Loyie.
Connecting Families with Early Supports – Teddy Bear Fair
Throughout September, we also had the opportunity to participate in Teddy Bear Fairs in the region.
Teddy Bear Fairs bring together different agencies and service providers to connect families with children from birth to six years old to information, resources, referrals, and early supports.
Families can meet with organizations and professionals offering services such as dental care, speech and language services, occupational therapy, and other early childhood supports.
For our team, these events are an important opportunity to meet families where they are, share information about FASD, and help connect them with resources that can support children and families.
We are grateful to be part of these collaborative events and to work alongside other agencies that are committed to supporting healthy development and strong families in our region.
With Kimber Lepensee - Clinic coordinator in one of our Teddy Bear Fairs
Get to Know You Nights (GTKYN)
Our awareness efforts continued throughout the region with our Get to Know You Nights (GTKYN).
These information-booth evenings gave community members an opportunity to meet our team, learn more about NWR FASD Society programs and services, pick up helpful resources, ask questions, and make connections in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Our team connected with communities across the region, including:
Fort Vermilion — September 9 83 people reached
High Level — September 10 178 people reached
La Crete — September 11 138 people reached
Paddle Prairie — September 11 112 people reached
Beaver First Nation — September 29 127 people reached
Each stop was a reminder that access to accurate information, welcoming conversations, and practical support matters. It also showed the strength of a region that is willing to learn, listen, and stand alongside individuals and families affecte
Let’s Get Real Youth Campaign – Connecting with Youth
September also marked the beginning of our Let’s Get Real Youth Campaign, with Francis Beland beginning his training as a facilitator to deliver presentations in schools throughout our communities.
As part of his training, Francis participated in face-to-face presentations at Chateh Community School, engaging students in Grades 7–9, along with other school staff members.
The Let’s Get Real campaign focuses on raising awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), encouraging healthy choices, and helping youth better understand the importance of making informed decisions. Through school presentations, the program creates opportunities for open conversations, learning, and awareness.
We are excited to welcome Francis into this role and look forward to continuing these important conversations with youth across our region.
Red Shoe Rock Award 2026
September 22, we were proud to present the Red Shoe Rock Award to Dr. Leigh Wincott, the third recipient of this special award.
The Red Shoe Rock Award recognizes individuals who have made meaningful contributions to supporting individuals and families affected by FASD.
Dr. Wincott has supported the NWR FASD Society since 2004, contributing many years of service, guidance, and dedication to our region. His work with our rural and remote FASD Diagnostic Clinic, along with his roles as a pediatrician, mentor, and educator, has made a meaningful difference to the people and families we serve.
We are grateful for Dr. Wincott’s continued commitment to supporting, advocating for, and accommodating individuals and families impacted by FASD.
The award was a special opportunity to recognize someone who has truly played his part in strengthening FASD services and support in our region.
Program Director Wanda Beland and Executive Director Gaye Carpenter presenting the award to Dr. Leigh Wincott
Connecting Through Culture, Learning and Community
On September 23rd – 26th our team had the opportunity to participate in the Cultural Camp hosted by the North Peace Tribal Council. It was a wonderful experience filled with culture, learning, traditional teachings, and opportunities to connect with children, families, Elders, and other community members.
The camp offered many hands-on opportunities for the children and youth to learn about culture and the land around them. We had the opportunity to enjoy moose meat and learn about traditional food and ways of sharing. Participants also had the chance to learn how to make moose call and explore the making of drums, giving everyone an opportunity to learn through doing.
Our team was also happy to take part in the fun by offering face painting for the children.
One of the highlights was the Wellness Walk with the kids. Rather than simply going for a walk, the children were encouraged to slow down, look closely at their surroundings, and learn about the land. They identified different types of trees and learned about traditional uses of tree sap, including how it has been used for medicinal purposes.
Adults and children also had the opportunity to experience a traditional baby swing, adding another special hands-on element to the day and giving them a chance to experience something connected to cultural traditions.
For our team, being part of the Cultural Camp was about more than attending an event. It was an opportunity to learn alongside the community, build relationships, celebrate culture, and create positive connections with children and families.
Experiences like this remind us that wellness and connection can take many forms. Spending time together, learning from Elders, connecting with the land, sharing food, playing, and creating a welcoming space for children are all important parts of building strong and connected communities.
Awareness Does Not End in September
While International FASD Awareness Month has ended, the work continues.
Awareness is more than one walk, one event, or one month. It is about continuing to have conversations, sharing accurate information, creating supportive and stigma-free spaces, advocating for services and supports, listening to people with lived experience and perspectives, and promoting alcohol-free pregnancies with compassion and care.
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make September possible—the families who participated, the schools and students who joined us, the businesses and organizations who supported our events, the agencies who connected with families, our volunteers, and everyone who stopped to learn more about FASD.
Your support helped make September a month of awareness, connection, and community.
Most importantly, September reminded us that everyone really does play a part. When we work together, we can build a community where individuals with FASD and their families feel understood, supported, included, and connected.
Thank you for being part of our September.
Everyone Plays a Part – It Takes a Community.