Presented by Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Ph.D. and Denise Findlay, M,ED., CPCC, ACC and Varleisha D. Lyons, Ph.D, OTD, OTR/L and Suzanne Methot and Shanelle Brillon Bath
Monday, May 12, 2025 – Wednesday, May 14, 2025 | Saskatoon, sk
Monday, May 12, 2025 – Wednesday, May 14, 2025
8:30am – 4:00pm
Park Town Hotel
Saskatoon, SK S7K 3H5
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Registration on this page is for live in-person attendance only. To attend virtually please register here: TBA
Live In-Person Conference
Please note, in-person registration does not include access to the live stream or recorded footage.
Live Stream from Home
Education and Clinical Professionals: K–12 Classroom Teachers, School Counsellors/Psychologists, Learning Assistance/ Resource Teachers, School Administrators, School Paraprofessionals including Special Education Assistants, Classroom Assistants and Childcare Workers. All other professionals who support students including but not limited to: Nurses, Social Workers, Psychologists, Clinical Counsellors, Family Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Addiction Counsellors, Youth Workers, Mental Health Workers, Probation Officers, and Early Childhood Educators.
8:30am - 4:00pm May 12, 2025
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This one-day workshop, facilitated by Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, will focus on the integration of traditional Indigenous healing and spiritual practices within mental health and educational frameworks. Designed for professionals working with children, adolescents, young adults, families, and communities, it will offer practical tools and culturally grounded insights that can be applied in clinical, educational, or community settings.
Participants will explore strategies for supporting cultural revitalization and community healing, with a particular emphasis on fostering sustainable, Indigenized practices. The workshop will provide opportunities for deep engagement with Indigenous healing traditions, encouraging reflection on both personal and community experiences. Through collaborative discussions and activities, attendees will develop actionable strategies for revitalizing and integrating traditional spiritual practices into contemporary mental health and educational approaches.
Whether you work with individuals, families, or larger community groups, this session will equip you with practical knowledge to enrich your work and support the healing and resilience of Indigenous communities.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
AGENDA
8:30 am – 9:30 am | Keynote: “Empowering Ourselves to Strengthen Our Future”
Presenter: Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux
In this keynote, Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux will explore how empowering Indigenous communities to reclaim traditional practices can lead to stronger, more resilient futures. Attendees will gain insights into the intersections between mental health, culture, and spiritual practices, and understand the role of these elements in community healing and revitalization.
10:00 am – 10:30 am | Opening Prayer & Introduction of Participants
Facilitated by Resident Elder
This sacred space will begin with an Elder-led prayer to honor the spiritual traditions that shape the gathering. Following the prayer, there will be an introduction of participants, offering a chance to connect and share intentions for the workshop.
10:30 am – 11:15 am | Session Goals and Objectives: Unpacking and Restoring Foundations of Healing
Presenter: Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux
This session will examine the current state of Indigenous healing practices in communities, identifying strengths, challenges, and gaps. Participants will engage in a conversation about their own perceptions and the biases that shape how healing is approached. This will involve unpacking meta-cognition and beliefs around Indigenous health practices and how these ideas have evolved or been impacted by external systems.
11:30 am – 12:15 pm | What Does Planning and Strategy Have to Do with Healing and Spiritual Practices?
Presenter: Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux
This session will address the importance of strategic planning for community health initiatives. It will highlight the difference between creating a short-term plan and sustaining a long-term strategy for healing and spiritual practices. Participants will engage in a group discussion about their own experiences in planning and executing healing practices in their communities, exploring the disconnect between intention and actionable strategy.
12:15 pm – 1:00 pm | Lunch Break
A chance to reflect, network, and connect with others over lunch.
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm | Decolonizing or Indigenizing Relations?
Participants will work in small groups to explore the difference between decolonizing and Indigenizing relationships with community members, allies, and organizations. This interactive session will focus on practical examples from attendees’ experiences, with the goal of developing strategies that empower communities to take ownership of their healing processes while respecting traditional practices.
2:30 pm – 3:15 pm | Indigenous vs. Western Leadership: Expectations, Communication, and Collaboration
Presenter: Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux
This session will delve into the key differences between Indigenous and Western leadership models, examining how each informs community healing and spiritual practices. Participants will learn about Indigenous approaches to leadership, collaboration, and conflict resolution, particularly around peacemaking and healing. Through reflection and group activities, attendees will explore how traditional leadership styles can be integrated into contemporary systems of change.
3:30 pm – 4:15 pm | Practical Healing Tools: Dream House and “I Am” Exercises
Facilitated by Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux
This session will offer two interactive exercises: the Dream House Exercise and the “I Am” Exercise. The Dream House is a community-building and asset-mapping tool that encourages participants to identify strengths and resources within their communities. The “I Am” exercise invites participants to engage in group poetry as a way to connect and reflect on their shared experiences and vision for the future. These exercises serve as practical tools for fostering collaboration and resilience within communities.
4:15 pm – 5:00 pm | Closing Circle: Reflections and Commitments
Participants will gather to reflect on their learnings from the day and discuss how they plan to apply these insights in their work, whether in the classroom, clinic, or community. Cynthia will facilitate a closing discussion that encourages participants to make personal commitments toward integrating traditional healing and spiritual practices into their professional and personal lives.
Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Ph.D. served as Vice Provost for Indigenous Initiatives at Lakehead University for three years. Effective September 2016 she was appointed as the 1st Indigenous Chair for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada for Lakehead University and continues to develop…
8:30am - 4:00pm May 13, 2025
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This workshop offers educators a transformative opportunity to explore the intersection of trauma and spirituality within Indigenous communities, focusing on the impact of intergenerational trauma and how cultural wisdom can support resilience and well-being. By examining both traditional and contemporary healing practices, participants will deepen their understanding of how Indigenous spirituality, storytelling, and community-centered approaches can foster healing, restore balance, and strengthen the individual and collective health of students and families.
Indigenous communities have long faced the repercussions of colonization, forced assimilation, and systemic violence. These traumas have been passed down through generations, affecting the mental, emotional, and social well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Yet, alongside these challenges, Indigenous cultures possess profound spiritual traditions and healing practices that have endured. These practices remain a vital source of identity, resilience, and recovery, offering pathways to healing for those impacted by trauma.
This workshop is designed to empower educators and other professionals working in or with Indigenous communities. Participants will learn culturally grounded approaches to support healing in educational settings, incorporating Indigenous spiritual traditions, cultural practices, and storytelling to enhance student well-being and academic success. The workshop will also provide practical tools for integrating these healing methods into classroom teaching, school activities, and community-based programs.
Through engaging hands-on activities and thoughtful discussion, participants will gain the knowledge and skills to create healing environments that acknowledge and address the wounds of the past while fostering hope, empowerment, and community revitalization.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Varleisha D. Lyons Ph.D, OTD, OTR/L is the Vice President of Practice Engagement and Capacity Building at the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Prior to joining AOTA, she served as the Scientific Programs Officer at the American Occupational Therapy Foundation.…
More information: www.drvgibbs.com
8:30am - 4:00pm May 13, 2025
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Morning
Culturally Affirming and Strength-Based Narratives to Promote Healing
Indigenous worldviews are deeply rooted in unique cultural traditions, teachings, and spiritual practices that reflect a holistic and strength-based understanding of the self and community. These worldviews offer invaluable insights that can support the development and healing of Indigenous children, youth, families, and communities across the lifespan. The emphasis on relationality, interconnectedness, and respect for all living beings forms the foundation of a culturally affirming approach to care.
In this 3-hour morning session, participants will explore how culturally distinct Indigenous narratives can be integrated into healing practices, development strategies, and social service delivery. Drawing on Indigenous ways of knowing and being, participants will gain practical tools to apply culturally grounded practices that promote holistic well-being, decolonization, and healing. This session will offer a space to reflect on the ways in which practitioners can walk alongside Indigenous peoples in their roles, while honoring their inherent strengths and wisdom.
Afternoon
Gathering Our Medicine: Strengthening and Healing the Kinship Circle
The devastating impacts of intergenerational trauma resulting from colonization, residential schools, and forced assimilation have created long-lasting scars in Indigenous families and communities. These traumas have disrupted the traditional kinship structures and ways of being that once supported health, connection, and well-being. Mainstream, Western approaches to trauma treatment have often proven inadequate for Indigenous peoples, failing to address the complex, community-based nature of healing.
In the afternoon session, Denise Findlay will introduce Gathering Our Medicine, a cross-cultural model designed to restore dignity and balance to the role of caring for one another in Indigenous communities. This innovative approach emphasizes the restoration of kinship ties and cultural practices as central to healing from intergenerational trauma. Drawing from attachment theory, developmental science, and the science of emotion, Gathering Our Medicine provides a framework for healing that is deeply rooted in community, culture, and the relational bonds that naturally emerge within kinship circles.
During this session, participants will:
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Morning
Culturally Affirming and Strength-Based Narratives to Promote Healing
Afternoon
Gathering Our Medicine: Strengthening and Healing the Kinship Circle
Shanelle Brillon-Bath is a nehiyaw iskwew (Cree woman) of mixed ancestry from Treaty 6 & 8 Territory, and also English and Norwegian settler ancestors. She is a proud member of Wapsewsipi, Swan River First Nation in Kinuso, Alberta. Her late…
Tselkxáliya (Denise Findlay) is a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh scholar practitioner from the village of Xwemélch’stn and a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University. Denise is a published academic author whose background is in Philosophy of Educational Theory…
More information: WWW.NEUFELDINSTITUTE.ORG/PERSON/DENISE-FINDLAY
8:30am - 4:00pm May 14, 2025
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This workshop will explore the power of narrative-based approaches in addressing mind, body, spirit and emotion to empower children and youth to make meaning of their experiences, transform their self-concept, and rebuild relationships with others and the world around them. Participants will learn how to use storytelling and other motivational techniques to guide healing and growth. We will also explore ways to decolonize your work in classrooms, counseling, social work, or any interactions with children and youth by adopting holistic, strengths-based methods, and discuss ethical considerations for working in cross-cultural and community contexts.
Special attention will be given to the intersections of complex PTSD, developmental trauma, and colonialism, including the impact of intergenerational trauma on memory and well-being. Indigenous frameworks for understanding health, wellness, and healing will also be integrated into the conversation.
By the end of the session, participants will leave with practical tools, frameworks, and methodologies for addressing intergenerational trauma and complex PTSD, and for providing healing-informed support to individuals, families, and communities.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Suzanne Methot has 30 years of experience creating and applying culture-based and trauma-informed service frameworks. She was a classroom teacher in the Toronto District School Board, where she created a trauma-informed, arts-based classroom program that fostered identity, engagement, and student…
| Registration | Early bird Fee | Regular Fee |
|---|---|---|
| ONE DAY ENROLLMENT | ||
| Individual 1 Day Enrollment | $319.00 | $339.00 |
| 1 Day Group 3-7 | $269.00 | $289.00 |
| 1 Day Group 8-14 | $244.00 | $264.00 |
| 1 Day Group 15+ | $219.00 | $239.00 |
| 1 Day Full-Time Student | $219.00 | $239.00 |
| TWO DAY ENROLLMENT | ||
| Individual 2 Day Enrollment | $559.00 | $579.00 |
| 2 Day Group 3-7 | $509.00 | $529.00 |
| 2 Day Group 8-14 | $484.00 | $504.00 |
| 2 Day Group 15+ | $459.00 | $479.00 |
| 2 Day Full-Time Student | $459.00 | $479.00 |
| THREE DAY ENROLLMENT | ||
| Individual 3 Day Enrollment | $739.00 | $759.00 |
| 3 Day Group 3-7 | $689.00 | $709.00 |
| 3 Day Group 8-14 | $664.00 | $684.00 |
| 3 Day Group 15+ | $639.00 | $659.00 |
| 3 Day Full-Time Student | $639.00 | $659.00 |
All fees are per person and in Canadian Dollars ($CAD)
Fees do not include applicable taxes (5% GST).
Early bird cutoff date: April 12, 2025
To receive the early bird rate, registration and payment must be received by Saturday, April 12, 2025.
Please review our Registration Terms and Conditions for information on our cancellation policy, payment policies, rebates, and more. You must agree to our Terms and Conditions to register for a workshop or conference.
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Saskatoon, SK S7K 3H5
Our rates:
* Please check back at a later time as this information will be updated when corporate/group rates are secured.
When booking hotel rooms, ask for the Jack Hirose and Associates corporate rate. To receive our corporate rate, rooms must be booked one month prior to the workshop date. Please keep in mind hotel rates may fluctuate.
Jack Hirose & Associates is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Jack Hirose & Associates maintains responsibility for the program.
† The Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) and the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Social Workers (NLASW) accept CPA-approved CEUs.
* Participants will receive a certificate of completion after every workshop. Workshops are pre-approved for 5.5 or 6 credits per day unless otherwise specified.
Please check back closer to the conference date for more information.
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