About Ninoshenh Counseling
Wiidookaw (How we can help)
I work and reside as a guest in the beautiful Syilx-Okanagan Peoples territory. I acknowledge this Nation as the current and first inhabitants and stewards of the land for time immemorial. They govern the land for the good of all for all time. The name Ninoshenh, means Auntie in Anishnabemowin. Representing the vital role of Auntie’s supporting women and children. In Indigenous community roles, Women are Aunties (Ninoshenh), and/or Mama’s (Nimaamaa). The children are the foundation for all the work we do. Whether it be past, present or future generations, the children are at the heart of it.
Ninoshenh Counseling is a safe space for both Ninoshenh (Auntie) or Nimaamaa (Mama’s) to walk along your healing journey, no matter which roles you are in. We all have stories to unearth to support the growth of our future generations. At Ninoshenh Counseling, through storytelling, resources and support, we build strong pathways for our communities’ futures.
At Ninoshenh Counseling, we give space for the trauma we all carry. We walk with women as they explore their unhealed wounds, especially the unknown or unexpected ones that often come up when caregiving for children. We share our time and respect the space for any of the wounds that may come to light. We are mashkiki (medicine).
And these wounds, if and when they come up, we decide if any parts need to be carried in our sacred bundles. These sacred bundles are the medicine we all carry inside of each of us. We are all mashkiki (medicine).
Ninoshenh Counseling is supported by the care and specialty of an Auntie. Miigwech (Thank you) for taking the time to explore our website.
About Roberta
Roberta Frantzis is Anishnabe from Saugeen and Neyaashiinigmiing and Cree/Metis from Moose Factory, as well as European heritage. She has been in the helping profession for 20 years. In that time, she has worked with a lot of Mama’s and Auntie’s, navigating all sorts of challenges.
As a registered Social Worker (RSW), a Mama of two boys, and a fierce Auntie, Roberta started Ninoshenh Counseling from the vital need she saw for Mama’s and Auntie’s to have more support. All too often, they are caregiving without the village to wrap around them. We know the more support Mama’s and Auntie’s have and truly feel connected to, the better outcomes there is for families.
Ninoshenh (Auntie) Counseling is about building the village around Mama’s and Aunties at all stages, including pregnancy. Our support can include collaboration with Birth Workers: including Midwives, Birth Keepers (Doulas), Natural Health Practitioners, Play Therapists, Coaches and more.
“With every generation of children comes the chance to create a Canada anew. A chance to create a First Nations community anew. One that represents the ancestors’ dreams of that community.”
– Cindy Blackstock
Inaazakonenjige (s/he goes to a certain place with light, shines a light to a certain place)
Ninoshenh Counseling is a practice that provides services from an Indigenous worldview. This includes resources, storytelling, and support. Such approaches may include the medicine wheel, connecting with nature, and community resources.
We are respecting space for clients to be in their truth, to walk in their debwewin (truth). Our truth is connected to all parts of us: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
“We ought to recognize that our greatest battle is not with one another but with our pain, our problems, and our flaws. To be hurt, yet forgive. To do wrong, but forgive yourself. To depart from this world leaving only love. This is the reason you walk.”
― Wab Kinew, The Reason You Walk: A Memoir
Your Ninoshenh Community
Ninoshenh (Auntie) Counseling is about building the village around Mama’s and Aunties at all stages, including pregnancy. Our community of support can include collaboration with Birth Workers, including Midwives, Birth Keepers (Doulas), and Natural Health Practitioners.
The Ninoshenh Fund
Donations and proceeds from all fundraising sales go into the Ninoshenh fund. The Ninoshenh fund aims at reducing financial barriers to support. This can include funding supports like (Doula) Birth Workers, Natural Health Practitioner, and Counseling. It can also include resources such as food deliveries and emergency supplies.
We’re here to help
Do you have additional questions about our counseling and community services? We’d love to hear from you! Just fill out our handy form, and we’ll be in touch soon!