Across a series of seven community-based workshops spanning the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, the NT/NU Council of Friendship Centres brought together local leaders, service providers, and community members to explore the impacts of the climate crisis on mental health, grief, and displacement. Held at local Friendship Centres, the gatherings focused on creating community crisis response teams, honouring land-based knowledge, and strengthening local systems of care.
Joining virtually for the action-planning phase of each session, graphic recorder Tanya captured these sensitive, trauma-informed dialogues in real time. To navigate heavy topics like climate evacuations and loss with care, the illustrations avoided traumatic triggers, grounding the visuals instead in vibrant Northern landscapes, cultural metaphors, and themes of collective strength.
Rather than producing a traditional report that might sit unread on a shelf, the initiative aimed to give each community an immediate, accessible tool. The final digital illustrations were printed in large formats and installed directly onto local Friendship Centre walls, serving as permanent, living action plans for ongoing care and resilience. Following the completion of the series, we also synthesized the overarching themes, shared wisdom, and interconnected insights across all seven gatherings into a final summary graphic which provides the Council with a comprehensive visual narrative to guide territory-wide advocacy and ongoing climate resilience work.