Soapstone Carving - 2026 - Winnipeg, MB

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the Winnipeg Soapstone Carving event to be conducted on Monday, January 19th and Tuesday, January 20th, 2026, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is now open. The application deadline is Sunday, December 14th, 2025.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT:  
Soldier On, in collaboration with Spence Custom Carving, will host a two-session soapstone carving workshop in Winnipeg, MB. This activity will bring together both serving and retired ill/injured CAF members, allowing participants to connect through peer support and encourage a healthy and creative lifestyle. The objective of this workshop will be to provide participants the opportunity to learn the art of soapstone carving, broadening their choices of creative activities to stay active and healthy. No prior soapstone carving experience required. 

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to 10.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from the Winnipeg area who acquired a permanent physical or mental health illness or injury while enrolled as a member of the CAF; whether attributable or not to service.

Selected Serving members will require the approval of their Chain of Command to participate. 

DRAFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Monday, 19 Jan 26 & Tuesday, 20 Jan 26

1800 hrs: Arrival at 17 Wing Wellness Centre Annex
1800-1815 hrs: Introductions and Workshop Overview
1815-2045 hrs: Soapstone Carving
2045-2100 hrs: Clean up & Departure

TRANSPORTATION & MEALS:
Participants will be required to arrange their own travel to and from the event location. Travel is not eligible for reimbursement for this event.

Mental & Physical Requirements:
Participants must be able to tolerate three (3) hours of light-paced activities during each night of the workshop. Due to the busy activity schedule, participants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the workshop. Participants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment. Applicants are advised that this activity will be conducted at 17 Wing, Winnipeg, and thus they may be exposed to a day-to-day military environment.