KTCEA • Good Living Program

The Be There Golden Rules

Five short, interactive toolkits to help us notice, respond, listen, act safely, and connect people with support.

Cree is part of the learning. Say each phrase aloud if you are comfortable. The Cree wording in this resource follows the KTCEA reference provided; local speakers and Knowledge Keepers remain the best guides for dialect and pronunciation.

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Golden Rule One

Say What You See

Îpitwe kîkway îwapahataman

Begin with observable facts. Describe what you saw or heard without labelling, diagnosing, blaming, or assuming intent.

Spot the observation

Which statement says what was actually seen or heard?

She is being dramatic and wants attention. I noticed you left the room when voices got louder, and you have been quiet since. He is disrespectful and does not care.

Try your own words

Change a judgement such as “They are lazy” into something observable.

Golden Rule Two

Show You Care

Wâpahtihâwi ikisiwât’sin

Care can be quiet and practical: stay present, respond without judgement, and let the person know they matter.

Choose a caring response

A student says, “It doesn’t matter. Nobody cares anyway.”Which response opens the door?

“That’s not true. Lots of people have it worse.” “You matter to me. I’m glad you told me. I can stay with you while we figure out what you need.” “You need to think more positively.”

Your care sentence

Golden Rule Three

Hear Them Out

Pâpîyahtik N'tôhta

Slow down. Listen to understand the person’s experience before trying to solve, correct, or investigate it.

Listening or fixing?

Check the responses that help someone feel heard.

“Take your time. I’m listening.” “Here is what you should do.” “It sounds like that felt isolating. Did I get that right?” “Why didn’t you tell someone sooner?”

Reflect before responding

Golden Rule Four

Know Your Role

Kiskîhtâ Kîkway Îtôtaman

You do not need to be a counsellor or investigate. Your role is to respond calmly, protect immediate safety, follow KTCEA procedures, and involve the right supports.

Sort the actions

Choose whether each action is part of your role.

Listen without promising secrecy Question peers to prove what happened Follow the school’s safety and reporting process Diagnose the person’s mental health

My role reminder

Golden Rule Five

Connect Them to Help

Nîsôhkamô Ka-wîcihâtawâw

Make a warm connection—do not simply give a name or number. When possible, stay with the person, explain what will happen next, and check back.

Build your circle of support

Add the people and places you can connect with in your KTCEA school.

Safe adultSchool supportCommunity support

What makes it a warm connection?

Give them a phone number and return to other tasks. Ask permission where possible, explain the next step, help make contact, and check back.

KTCEA Good Living Program

Certificate of Completion

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for completing all five interactive learning modules in