Three transformative days, February 11-13, 2026. Five expert panel discussions. Interactive table talks. Two evening celebrations. All designed to explore the magic of confidence.
Why Attend On My Way?
Because Confidence Is Your Purpose
This Is Not Just Entertainment—It's Education
On My Way delivers structured professional development grounded in 30+ years of proven experience working in Indigenous communities—urban, rural, and remote.
You'll gain practical, transferable tools you can use immediately in your workplace, family, and community. This isn't motivational speaking—it's experiential learning with measurable impact on workplace culture, staff morale, communication, and program outcomes.
It's Not Just a Fashion Show
Let's be clear: while our evening celebrations—the Esteemed Extravaganza and Masquerade Ball—include pageantry and personal expression, this conference is fundamentally about deep learning and transformation.
Turtle Concepts uses tools like fashion shows and red carpet events strategically. They serve a specific purpose: to encourage participants to step out of their shell, practice being visible, and learn that confidence is not the same as being conceited.
But the real work happens in panel discussions, table talks, and open dialogues where we address hard realities:
- Lateral violence and bullying
- Internalized shame and fear of being seen
- Why confidence gets punished in many communities
- How to create safer environments for confidence to thrive
- "Just kidding" culture and harmful humor
The evening events are a celebration and a practice ground—the daytime sessions provide the foundation, insights, and tools for lasting change.
What Makes Turtle Concepts Different
Unlike typical speakers and trainers, Turtle Concepts doesn't just talk about confidence—they show it. They create experiential learning that people actually retain.
- Addresses what most trainers avoid: Why confidence gets punished, why people tear others down, why people hide their light
- Trauma-aware, culturally grounded approach that respects Indigenous realities and lived experiences
- No boring lectures, no slide decks—real connection, real presence, and engagement through movement, storytelling, and interactive participation
- Works across all levels: Individual, team, and community—applicable from children to elders, frontline staff to leadership
- Makes learning safe and impactful by creating spaces where people can try, speak, lead, and grow without being targeted
Why Confidence Matters in Indigenous Communities
Turtle Concepts recognizes that confidence is often unsafe in many communities due to lateral violence, bullying, "just kidding" culture, fear of standing out, internalized shame, and colonial trauma.
Many people were born confident—and had it shaped, criticized, or taken away. This conference teaches that:
- Confidence is not arrogance, selfishness, or disrespect
- Confidence is necessary for healing, leadership, and growth
- Communities must learn how to protect confidence, not punish it
- Confidence can be taught, rebuilt, and made safer
- Confidence is a collective responsibility, not just an individual trait
You'll learn how confidence impacts decision-making, relationships, parenting, education, health, leadership, and community well-being.
Three Days. Three Themes. Transformative Impact.
Day 1: The Magic of Confidence
Explore how confidence impacts mental health, addiction recovery, education, and relationships. Discover creative solutions for making confidence safer in your personal and professional life.
Evening: Esteemed Extravaganza red carpet celebration
Day 2: Building Healthier Teams
Address lateral violence, learn to respond to confidence constructively, and develop leadership techniques for fostering confidence in your workplace and teams.
Evening: THE REVEAL! Masquerade Ball & international campaign launch
Day 3: Creating Safer Communities
Learn community involvement techniques and strategies for creating safer, more confident environments where everyone can thrive.
Closing: Farewell lunch and networking
This Conference Is For You If...
- You're an Indigenous community member seeking personal and professional growth
- You're an ally committed to supporting Indigenous wellness and reconciliation
- You work in education, mental health, social services, or community development
- You lead teams and want to build healthier, more confident workplaces
- You're passionate about addressing addiction, mental health, and community safety
- You want practical tools and strategies, not just feel-good motivation
- You believe in the transformative power of confidence and want to learn from 30+ years of proven methods
What's Included: Your All-Inclusive Experience
- 5 Expert Panel Sessions led by Dave Jones and experienced facilitators
- Interactive Table Talks for guided reflection and open discussion
- Daily Lunches included all three days
- Esteemed Extravaganza red carpet event (February 11 evening)
- THE REVEAL! Masquerade Ball with international campaign launch (February 12 evening)
- Conference Resources and materials to continue your journey
- Networking Opportunities with Indigenous leaders, allies, and changemakers
Note: Accommodation is separate. The conference takes place at Water Tower Inn, Sault Ste. Marie.
Connect. Learn. Transform.
On My Way brings together Indigenous community members and allies in an intimate setting designed for genuine connection and meaningful learning. With limited attendance, you'll have real opportunities to engage with speakers, share your experiences, and build lasting relationships.
This is professional development that delivers solutions, not just awareness. You'll walk away with tools people can take home and use, taught in a way that's high-energy, engaging, and memorable.
Join us for a celebration of 30+ years of Turtle Concepts' commitment to exploring the magic of confidence and building healthier communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in my registration?
Your all-inclusive registration includes access to all three days of expert panels and discussions, daily lunches, two evening galas (Esteemed Extravaganza and Masquerade Ball), table talk sessions, and networking opportunities with Indigenous community leaders and allies.
Who should attend this conference?
On My Way is designed for Indigenous community members, allies, professionals in wellness and education, leaders seeking to build confidence in their teams, and anyone passionate about personal and professional development.
What will I learn at the conference?
You'll explore how confidence impacts mental health, addiction recovery, education, and relationships. Learn creative solutions for building confidence, address lateral violence in teams, develop leadership skills, and discover techniques for creating safer communities.
Is this conference only for Indigenous peoples?
No, while the conference focuses on Indigenous community wellness, it welcomes allies and anyone committed to building healthier people and communities. Dave Jones and Turtle Concepts have spent 30+ years building relationships based on trust and shared values.
Are meals included?
Yes, daily lunches are included with your registration, as well as admission to both evening gala events. Breakfast and dinners outside of the gala events are not included.
Do I need to book accommodation separately?
Yes, accommodation is not included in the registration fee. The conference takes place at Water Tower Inn in Sault Ste. Marie, and you'll need to make your own room reservations. Visit our Location page for venue details.
What is the early bird deadline?
Standard registration is $650 CAD. Senior rates (65+) are available at $400 CAD.
Can I attend just one day?
The conference is designed as a comprehensive 3-day experience where each day builds on the previous. Each day focuses on a different theme: personal confidence, workplace wellness, and community safety. We encourage full attendance to get the most benefit.
What should I wear to the evening galas?
The Esteemed Extravaganza is a red carpet event—dress to impress! The Masquerade Ball invites creative masquerade attire. Both events are celebrations of confidence and creativity, so have fun with your outfit choices.
Will there be opportunities to ask questions?
Absolutely! Each panel session is followed by table talk discussions and open Q&A periods where you can engage with panelists and fellow attendees. The format encourages dialogue and sharing of perspectives.
How do I stay updated on future events?
Sign up for the Turtle Concepts newsletter to receive updates about upcoming events, news, and opportunities.
Thank you for exploring the magic of confidence with us!
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