Episode 10: Self-Care is Community Care with Stephanie Stephens

What if self-care was never meant to be something we do alone?

In this episode of Rekindling the Fire, host Rachel Robinson speaks with Stephanie Stephens, an Anishinaabe educator and helping professional from the Bear Clan, registered to Garden River First Nation. Drawing on 25 years of experience in social work, education, mental health, addictions and community healing, Stephanie challenges the Western idea that individuals—particularly those caring for others—should be solely responsible for maintaining their own wellness.

Through the teaching of sweetgrass, Stephanie explains that “a blade of sweetgrass never grows alone.” Our ability to bring our best selves into the world depends upon the kindness, connection and support of those around us. She explores the role of spirit and medicine in sustaining helpers, the importance of making space for emotion and vulnerability, and why authentic human connection is essential to building safety and trust.

The conversation also turns to the responsibility of organizations and their leaders. Stephanie discusses the need to make community care part of the working day through peer support, recovery time, laughter and meaningful opportunities to connect. As she puts it, “connection is the correction.” These practices are not distractions from the work—they help prevent isolation, vicarious trauma and burnout, allowing helpers to remain grounded and fully present for the people they support.

How might our workplaces change if kindness and community care were treated as non-negotiable? And what becomes possible when helpers are regularly asked not simply, “How are you?” but “What do you need?”

A thoughtful and deeply affirming conversation about moving beyond individual self-care and creating communities in which everyone is supported to live and work well.

Credits

Rekindling the Fire is produced for the First Peoples Wellness Circle by David McGuffin and Graham McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca

Music by Nagamo Publishing.

For more on the work of the First Peoples Wellness Circle, please visit FPWC.ca.

Listener Care Notice

This episode discusses trauma, sexual abuse, the Sixties Scoop, residential schools, suicide, vicarious trauma, and the emotional challenges experienced by those working in helping professions. Please take care while listening and access support if needed.

Support Resources

National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419

Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310

Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566

9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988