In-Person Workshops

Giwiidosendamin Certificate Program – Responding to Addictions and Suicide

With Decolonized Practices

Product Image
March 10, 2025 - March 14, 2025
(09:00 AM - 04:00 PM CDT )
$2,999.00 (regular rate)
$2,699.00 (*early rate)
*early rate expires 02/09/2025
30
Continuing Education
Credit Hours (CEC)

Register

Giwiidosendamin Certificate Program – Responding to Addictions and Suicide - Saskatoon - March 10-14, 2025; 9am-4pm Central Time

Early rate expires 02/09/2025

Quantity: 1 $ 2,699.00
Completed Icon Attendee 1 Information Dropdown Icon

Rooted in the Ojibwe concept of giwiidosendamin (“we walk together”), this five-day program emphasizes collective health, shared support, and reciprocal learning. By integrating Indigenous and Western perspectives, you will gain the skills and knowledge to support individuals, families, and communities through addictions, suicide, and related mental health concerns, using a two-eyed seeing approach.

Your co-facilitators will guide you through the impacts of addictions and suicide, the connection between trauma and addictions, and the role of cultural perspectives in decolonization efforts. This is a unique opportunity to learn practical harm reduction and recovery capital approaches to addictions support, as well as life-affirming strategies for suicide prevention. You will enhance your ability to provide meaningful and respectful support within Indigenous spaces.

By the end of the program, you will have a comprehensive understanding of addictions and suicide, and be able to implement key prevention, assessment, intervention, and postvention resources. You will also learn how to apply culturally respectful practices, support decolonization efforts, and utilize harm reduction strategies. This enriching program not only enhances professional skills but also encourages personal growth and self-reflection, empowering you to make a positive impact in your community.

What’s Included: Snacks, Refreshments, Resource Manual, Certificate of Completion

Please note that lunch and accommodations are not included in the cost of the program.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion, participants should be able to:

  • Define addictions and understand potential impacts
  • Identify key assessment areas for those who are experiencing thoughts of suicide
  • Understand the connection between trauma and addictions
  • Recognize the influence of dominant discourses and mainstream understandings of addictions
  • Support individuals, families, helpers, and communities impacted by addictions and suicide
  • Demonstrate cultural competency and awareness to support decolonization efforts
  • Implement practices that are respectful and effective within Indigenous spaces
  • Apply harm reduction strategies and life-affirming approaches to addictions and suicide support
  • Help others overcome resistance, foster change, and inspire internal motivation

Method of Delivery

Presentation, Personal Reflection, Small Group Discussions, Experiential Practice

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

Excellent
4.5 out of 5

Based on 80+ reviews

View All Reviews

Some of the Topics Included

  • Understanding Clinical and Cultural Approaches to Healing
  • Building Tools and Self-Awareness as a Helper
  • Expanding Cultural Competency
  • The Role of Reconnection and Resilience
  • Exploring the Impacts of Addictions and Suicide
  • Navigating Resistance and Motivating Change
  • The Role of Sharing on the Healing Journey

Terms & Conditions

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

Trainer: Cindy Deschenes

MSW, RSW

Cindy is from the Kitigan Zibi and Kitiganik Algonquin communities in Quebec. In her career, she has worked with numerous First Nations and non-First Nations communities and schools. Cindy is a Registered Social Worker and her educational background includes a diploma and undergraduate degree in Addictions Counselling and a Master’s degree in Social Work. In addition to training with CTRI, she has a small private practice and is working on her PhD research in the area of mental health and wellbeing. As a helper, her approach draws on holistic, Indigenous worldviews and practices that have included storytelling, ceremony, trickster teachings, traditional games, and arts. She believes that although some of us may feel broken inside, we are never truly broken as we each hold four sacred gifts that enable every one of us to tap into these if we so choose. As a fun-loving, kind-hearted presenter and trainer, Cindy weaves her lived experiences and traditional cultural knowledge into her training, and believes in working with the shared wisdom and values of every individual in the room. Read blogs written by Cindy here.

Team Member Icon

Trainer: Trish Harper

MSW, RSW

Trish has worked in many diverse mental health settings with families, youth, and children providing direct practice for over 20 years. She has a Master of Social Work degree as well as an undergraduate degree in psychology, and has completed professional training in trauma resolution therapy. She is also a contributing author of our Counselling Insights book. Trish believes that real change happens through relationship, authenticity, and the use of skillful empathy. In addition to her work with CTRI, she maintains a small private practice, specializing in recovery from early adverse experiences, PTSD, anxiety, depression, vicarious trauma, and burnout, and she continues to have a special passion for helping children, youth, and families. As a trainer, Trish is a gifted listener who works to facilitate training that encourages genuine insight, compassion, and a collective learning experience. Read blogs written by Trish here.

Team Member Icon

Park Town Hotel Saskatoon, Saskatoon SK

924 Spadina Crescent E, Saskatoon, SK S7K 3H5, Canada Saskatoon SK S7K 3H5
Get Directions
Keep up to date with CTRI

Receive a free Trauma-Informed Care E-Manual!
Sign me up to receive info on: