Keshena recovery talking circle anchors Menominee County events

A recovery talking circle in Keshena served as a focal point in the Jan. 16–25 community events calendar for the Shawano–Menominee region, offering a recurring space for people in recovery to gather, share and find local support. The circles are scheduled at the Omaeqnomenewak Wetohkatikamek Center, 2700 Mianaceqtawak Road, from 6 to 8 p.m., and were listed in the calendar for Jan. 16 with additional sessions on Jan. 20 and Jan. 21. Community members seeking more information or assistance can contact Mindy Thunder at 715-799-3835 or mthunder@mitw.org.

The local roundup also highlighted nearby programs that draw residents from the Menominee Reservation area, including regional 4-H events, Navarino Nature Center hikes, area blood drives and Shawano-area tournaments. These activities create opportunities for youth engagement, outdoor connection and essential public health contributions such as blood donations, while also shaping where and how people travel within the county during the week.

Recovery support offerings like the Keshena talking circle matter in a county where rural distance and limited transit options can make access to care and peer support difficult. Regular group meetings help reduce isolation, reinforce community ties and complement clinical services by providing culturally grounded peer-led spaces. For many residents, such programs are a practical entry point to broader health and social services and can help stabilize recovery trajectories between clinical appointments.

Beyond recovery support, the calendar’s mix of youth, outdoor and civic events reflects the interconnected nature of health determinants in Menominee County. Youth programs such as 4-H promote skills and resilience; nature center hikes create low-cost opportunities for physical activity and mental health benefits; blood drives support regional hospitals and emergency care capacity. For households balancing work, school and caregiving, knowing the when and where of these events makes it easier to participate.

Transportation, caregiving responsibilities and limited after-hours services remain equity challenges that affect who can attend events. Local organizations and tribal services play a critical role in bridging those gaps by offering recurring programming within the reservation and by sharing contact information so participants can arrange rides, childcare or additional support.

For residents, the practical next steps are straightforward: note the Keshena talking circle dates and locations, call Mindy Thunder for details or assistance, and review the community calendar entries for other programs you or your family might attend. These gatherings are part of how neighbors in Menominee County stay connected, support recovery and strengthen public health at the local level.