cultivating safe spaceS

A leadership model rooted in Indigenous knowledges, neuroscience, emotional safety, and systems change. The Cultivating Safe Spaces (CSS) Framework was created in 2019 to support communities in trauma-informed facilitation.

It quickly became clear: this was more than just training. It was a relational leadership framework that belonged everywhere people gather, in boardrooms, classrooms, councils, movements, and beyond.

Today, CSS is a global leadership model built on:

✔ Four Necessary Conditions
✔ Four Protocols
✔ Four Perspectives

CSS helps people lead with connection, not control and build systems that center humanity, not just productivity.

How to Begin

You don’t need a custom plan. You just need the first step. We’ve made it simple:

Take the Intro to CSS eCourse

Start with the foundational self-paced course — the entry point for all deeper work with us.

✔ Grounded in Indigenous teachings
✔ Trauma-informed, accessible
✔ Real tools for systems change

[Start the Intro to CSS →]

Join the Naqsmist Network

Relational leadership needs relationship. Our free community gives you a place to connect, practice, and grow with others.

✔ Hosted on Kajabi
✔ Free access to CSS tools
✔ Monthly themes and reflection topics

[Join Naqsmist Network→]

Attend a Naqsmist-Hosted Event

When you're ready to go deeper, join us in-person or online for:

✔ Virtual Summits
✔ CSS 1-Day Seminars
✔ CSS Facilitator Certification Trainings
✔ Our Annual CSS Conference

[Join a Naqsmist Event →]

Find a CSS Facilitator

Looking to bring Cultivating Safe Spaces into your team, organization, or community?
You're in the right place. [CSS FACILITATOR DIRECTORY →]

The Cultivating Safe Spaces (CSS) Framework is carried by a growing network of certified facilitators who guide others in building emotional safety, relational leadership, and systems change — in real-life spaces where people live, work, and gather.