Certificate Programs
Counselling Skills and Client Relations
Trauma and Crisis Response

Giwiidabindimin Certificate Program – Responding to Trauma and Grief With Decolonized Practices

Healing from trauma and grief requires approaches that honour culture, relationship, and community. This certificate program weaves Indigenous and Western healing practices to support helpers working with trauma and loss.

4.9 (12,500+ enrolled)
View Upcoming Dates
Available for Private Delivery
Certificate Included

Respond to Trauma and Grief With Decolonized Practices

Giwiidabindimin (“we sit together”) captures the essence of togetherness and the experience of participating in this program. When we sit together, we can acknowledge grief and trauma, share our perspectives, and learn from each other in a reciprocal way.

Join us for an enriching five-day program that weaves together Indigenous and Western knowledge to provide a two-eyed seeing understanding of trauma and grief. Two co-facilitators will share their wisdom and expertise to provide a relational approach to providing meaningful support. The co-facilitators will create a collaborative and reciprocal learning environment that allows space for everyone to be learners and teachers. You will have the opportunity to self-reflect on your personal journey while considering effective approaches to supporting individuals, families, and communities affected by trauma and grief.

Key Elements

  • Two-eyed Seeing perspective as put forward through Mi’kmaq Elder Albert Marshall’s concept of a Two-eyed Seeing view of the world, the weaving together of Western clinical and Indigenous cultural approaches for responding to those experiencing trauma and grief
  • Co-facilitated by Indigenous and non-Indigenous trainers
  • A relational, reciprocal approach to sharing and understanding the impacts of trauma and grief

Learning Objectives

Define trauma and understand the possible variations of potential impact
Identify key assessment areas for individuals who have experienced traumatic events
Describe the connection between traumatic experiences and post-traumatic stress symptoms
Recognize the influence of dominant discourses and mainstream understandings of grief
Respond and support individuals, families, and communities impacted by grief
12,500+
Professionals Trained
4.7 Stars
Trustpilot Rating
500+
Organizations Served

Choose Your Format

Training options built for real-world needs.

Private Training

Personalized training solutions for your team.

$28,500
/ session
5 days
Bring a facilitator to your team
Personalize content to your context and priorities
Focus on your real challenges and scenarios
Engage in interactive discussion and practical application
Align your team around shared language and approaches
Build skills that translate directly into day-to-day work

What You'll Learn

Walk away with the knowledge and tools to make a meaningful difference. The objectives below outline what you'll be equipped to do after completing this training.

Understand Colonization’s Impact

Learn how colonization shapes trauma and grief experiences.

Explore Two-Eyed Seeing

Integrate Indigenous and Western healing approaches.

Support Grief and Trauma

Learn culturally relevant strategies.

Strengthen Relationships

Practice relational approaches to healing.

Community-Based Healing

Understand collective healing practices.

Ongoing Reflection

Develop personal growth plans.

Our Approach

Grounded in research, practical application, and real‑world experience.

Accessible

Clear, approachable learning without unnecessary jargon.

Applicable

Content designed for real‑world challenges and opportunities.

Engaging

Facilitators bring content to life through stories and examples.

Practical

Skills and tools designed for everyday use in your setting.

What People Are Saying

Insights from our participants.

"

It's not always easy to facilitate a six-hour session, but it flew by. Perfectly timed, packed with useful, relevant information, curated to address the unique needs of our group."

K. Decle

University of British Columbia, Office of Student Academic Services

"

This was one of the best trainings our organization has had. Staff were so engaged and came away energized and excited rather than tired and drained."

T. Etienne

Portal Youth Outreach Association

"

CTRI is a great source for learning. They were easy to work with and our facilitator presented in an engaging and interactive way that kept people interested and attentive."

J. Grimes

Optimism Place Women's Shelter and Support Services

FAQ's

Common questions about the training.

This training is for:

Mental health professionals
Social services and community‑based professionals
First responders and emergency services
Health care workers and support staff
School and post‑secondary personnel
Leaders, managers, and supervisors
Human resources and people operations teams
Employees in corporate or business settings
Anyone working in people‑centred or support roles

What does "Giwiidabindimin" mean?

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Giwiidabindimin is an Ojibwe word meaning "we sit together" – reflecting a relational, community-centred approach to healing trauma and grief.

What does this certificate program cover?

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This program explores colonization's impact on trauma and grief, integrates Indigenous and Western healing approaches, and teaches practical strategies for supporting individuals and communities through loss and trauma.

Who is this certificate program for?

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This program is designed for helpers working with Indigenous communities, as well as any helping professional who wants to develop culturally responsive, decolonized trauma and grief support skills.

Is this program appropriate for non-Indigenous hepers?

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Yes. The program welcomes helpers from all backgrounds who are committed to developing a respectful, relational, culturally informed practice.

Is this program available in person or online?

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Contact CTRI for information on current delivery formats and how to access this certificate program.

Can this program be delivered for Indigenous communities or organizations?

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Yes. This program can be arranged for private delivery for Indigenous communities and organizations. Contact CTRI to discuss your needs.

Support Trauma and Grief With Cultural Respect

Learn culturally grounded strategies for supporting trauma and grief that honour Indigenous knowledge and relational healing. View details or contact CTRI to get started.

View Upcoming Dates

Available for Private Delivery

Certificate Included

Private Training

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Custom Training for Your Team

We can deliver any of our training for your group, on your schedule.

How it works

  • Step 1 — Contact us to discuss your needs and choose a topic.
  • Step 2 — Talk pricing, and we'll work out a detailed proposal.
  • Step 3 — Confirm the details such as the facilitator and training date.

Fill out the form below or give us a call at 1-877-353-3205

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