Beyond Intergenerational and Complex Trauma: Trusting Indigenous Ways of Being

January 15, 2027

Training Description:

This full-day workshop will explore healing modalities centered in Metis, Anishinaabe and Dakota worldviews, language and practices. Participants can expect to employ "out of the box" thinking to explore laughter, relationships, spiritual practice, and love as ways of helping, healing, and moving through generational patterns of harm within the colonial context.

Schedule:

Friday, January 15, 2027, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Format:

In Person

Training Focus:

Understanding intergenerational and complex trauma in the context of homelessness
Exploring root causes of homelessness in Winnipeg through guided inquiry
Examining the impacts of colonialism on housing instability
Deconstructing colonial systems and their ongoing effects
Learning from Indigenous ways of helping and healing
Applying trauma-informed perspectives in personal, professional, and workplace settings

Who Should Attend?

HIFIS Users engaged in Casework or other facilitation such as managing activities or supports for the Reaching Home funded services shown.

Trainer:

Grandmother Pahan PteSanWin and Wes Nelson

Trainer Bio:

Grandmother Pahan PteSanWin is Michif, a Red River Métis citizen who descends from the founding Klyne and Paul Metis families of Willow Bunch, Saskatchewan. Pahan, Co-Chair of Bringing Our Ancestors Home, is also the Grandmother in Residence for the Cante Waste Tipi at the University of Manitoba. Pahan dedicated three decades to supporting Indian Residential School survivors and their families as a therapeutic counsellor and Indigenous Spiritual Advisor at the Manitoba Youth Centre, and with the Correctional Service of Canada. This sustained frontline experience, grounded in lived knowledge, trauma-informed practice, and community accountability, has deepened her understanding of the impacts of colonial violence. Pahan holds a Master of Social Work in Indigenous Knowledges, is currently pursuing a PhD in Indigenous Studies, and is a Sundance and Ceremonial Leader.

Wes Nelson is Anishinaabe from Northwest Angle #33 First Nation, has been employed with Correctional Service of Canada for 24 years, and is currently in the position of Manager, Indigenous Initiatives-Community Reintegration, Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Corridor. Wes is an accomplished facilitator who provides training sessions on Diversity and Cultural Competency, Unconscious Bias, KAIROS Blanket and the Box and Circle Exercises. He is actively involved in the community and sits on the boards for Animikii Ozosone Child and Family Services (Chair), Manito Ahbee pow wow/festival, Treaty #3 Police Service, Louis Riel School Division Knowledge Keepers Council, and Winnipeg School Division. He is a Men's Northern Style Traditional Dancer who gives back by teaching for the Louis Riel Pow Wow Club. Wes enjoys being actively involved in a ceremonial lifestyle as a Traditional Helper.