Welcome to the Galia Wellness Journal

Most of what you’ll find here will be written by Caroline — not because she has all the answers, but because she has spent her whole life in Northern Manitoba - first in Gillam then Grand Rapids before moving to the "big city" of Thompson in 1991.

In 2023 Caroline joined the staff of Mel Johnson School in Wabowden Manitoba as their School Counsellor. This community now feels like a second home as this hidden gem of an Indigenous Community, just off the number 6 - 110km south of Thompson- welcomed her into their lives. As a lifelong Northerner, a parent of five, a psychotherapist, and an advocate for people with exceptional needs in our schools and communities, Caroline brings both professional experience and lived experience to the conversation.

Northern Manitoba has its own realities. Our communities are spread out, winter can make travel difficult, resources aren’t always close by, and sometimes the things we’re navigating simply look different here.

Mental wellness doesn’t happen in a vacuum, and the conversations we have about it need to make sense for the people and communities we actually live in.

That’s what we hope this space can be — a place for honest, practical and encouraging conversations that feel relevant to life in the North.

And Caroline won’t be the only voice you hear.

From time to time, we’ll invite guest authors to share their own stories, knowledge, experiences and perspectives. These may include other professionals, community members, parents, advocates and people with lived experience who have something meaningful to contribute to Northern Manitoba.

Sometimes it might be an important piece of information.

Sometimes it might be a personal story.

Sometimes it might simply be someone saying, “I’ve been through this too.”

Because wellness is a community conversation — and there is room for many voices around the table.

We’re glad you’re here.

NORTHERN ROOTS : This photo was taken by Caroline Winship in August 2022 at the site of what used to be the Winship family's remote cabin at Paint Lake Manitoba. Previously owned by Jack and Judy Winship, this particular spot holds many warm memories from where they raised their sons John and Jason (Caroline's husband) in the North.