In-Person Workshops

Giwiidabindimin Certificate Program

Responding to Trauma and Grief With Decolonized Practices

October 06, 2025 - October 10, 2025
(09:00 AM - 04:00 PM MDT )
$2,999.00 (regular rate)
$2,699.00 (*early rate)
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Venue TBA
Trainer Deborah Foster, PhD, RSW
*early rate expires 09/08/2025
30
Continuing Education
Credit Hours (CEC)

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Giwiidabindimin Certificate Program - Edmonton - October 6-10, 2025; 9am-4pm Mountain Time

Early rate expires 09/08/2025

Quantity: 1 $ 2,699.00
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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

Upon completion, participants should be able to:

  • 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

Method of Delivery

Presentation, video, case study exercises, personal reflection, and small group discussion.

Note: A printed manual for this workshop is included, and received at the event.

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Some of the Topics Included

  • Understanding Clinical and Cultural Approaches to Healing
  • Building Self-Awareness of the Impact of Working With Trauma
  • Intergenerational Impacts of Trauma
  • Reconnection and Resilience
  • Exploring the Impacts of Grief and Loss
  • The Role of Sharing on the Healing journey

Target Audience

This is an introductory-intermediate level workshop for those working in Indigenous communities and organizations and working in social service and health care roles, counsellors, social workers, school personnel, and anyone supporting people working through trauma and grief.

Terms & Conditions

View our cancellation policy and other information regarding your live virtual workshop or for your in-person workshop.

Trainer: Deborah Foster

PhD, RSW

Deborah is a registered social worker in Alberta and has been working as an individual and family therapist, adult educator, and group facilitator for almost 40 years. She has taught at multiple universities and Indigenous colleges and has written over 30 peer reviewed publications on a wide range of topics. Deborah has sat on numerous boards and committees including two research ethics boards, and the Ministerial Advisory Council on the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada. She is a community member of the Enoch Cree Nation in Alberta, has degrees in psychology, family studies, and human ecology from McMaster University, University of Guelph, and University of Alberta. Deborah’s studies have focused on relationships, sexuality, psychology, and individual/couple/family/sex therapy using solution-focused, trauma-informed, systemic, and feminist approaches. In addition, she has certificates in management and supervision from MacEwan University and the Banff School of Management. Deborah has worked extensively in the areas of sexuality, addictions, trauma, diversity, family and workplace issues, and violence. She believes that embracing a strengths-Based, solution-focused approach is the key to success for individuals, couples, and families to achieve a happy and productive life.

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