Dealing with Grief and Loss in the Homelessness Sector

January 21, 2027

Training Description:

A full-day of learning and reflection grounded in Indigenous teachings and lived experience. This workshop explores the Four-Season Model of Grief, developed by Don Robinson based on his experiences as a social worker, grief and loss counsellor, and facilitator. Using the seasons as a metaphor, the model reflects the law of change within the grieving process and challenges the idea that grief is linear, stage based, or defined by time.

Attendees will explore how grief is unique to each individual, shaped by their relationships with loved ones who have died. The day will be rooted in Cree teachings and include group exercises, learning, and collective reflection in a Sharing Circle.

The workshop will include:

• Cree teachings on the Four-Season Model
• Group exercises and guided reflection
• A facilitated sharing circle

Learning Objectives:

• To introduce a trauma informed practices that complement that knowledge and skills of the participants in training,
• To introduce the four-season model that honour individuals, families, and communities in their grief and loss,
• To support the individuals, families, and communities in grief and honour the loved one(s) and their legacy.
• To learn about traditional ceremonies and rituals that can help individual, families, and communities,
• To support one another as helpers who are vicariously impacted by the stories they hear.

Schedule:

Thursday, Janaury 21, 2027, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Format:

In Person

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is designed for frontline workers, supervisors, and service providers across the homelessness and housing sector who support individuals experiencing grief, loss, trauma, and significant life transitions.

Trainer:

Don Robinson and Hailey Bird Matheson

Trainer Bio:

Don Robinson

Don graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Social Work (1991) and a Master of Social Work (2001) and retired from full-time work in 2021. Prior to university, he completed training in Community Economic Development (1985) and began work in the community with Mama Wi Chi Itata Centre. He has over 40 years of experience in training, counseling and therapy and has worked with Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations. He has also worked with universities, provincial. and federal governments. Throughout his career, he has worked in Winnipeg and travelled across Manitoba and Canada. He is familiar with First Nations and Metis communities, having travelled to the majority of the First Nations communities in Manitoba and also worked with many Metis communities. Don also was a social work instructor from 1996-2016 teaching social work courses in Winnipeg, Thompson, and social work cohorts in Island Lake, Dauphin, and in Saskatchewan.

Don is 74 years, a Cree knowledge keeper originally from Bunibonibee (Bun-e-boni-bee) (Oxford House) First Nation, and has been a long-time Winnipeg resident. He has learned from Elders and knowledge keepers about the traditional ways through participating in ceremonies, fasting, sweat lodge, and the Sundance.

Hailey Bird Matheson

Hailey Bird Matheson (she/her) is a 2S urban Indigenous woman from Peguis First Nation on her maternal side and of Scottish and French ancestry on her paternal side. She is a fancy and jingle dress dancer, a beadwork artist, and prioritizes supporting her relatives in connecting to community, culture, hide work and the land. Hailey is the founder of the 'Community Cuzzins' program, which offers cultural and land-based programming as life promotion for Two-Spirit and Queer Indigenous youth in the urban centre of Winnipeg. She has a BSW from UBC and MSW-IK (Masters of Social Work in Indigenous Knowledges) from the UofM.

Hailey has 9 years of experience in frontline work in Vancouver and Winnipeg, primarily in harm reduction, land-based programming, crisis support and trauma therapy. She is currently practicing as a therapist, supporting primarily urban Indigenous people in Treaty One.

Have Questions?

Contact Adesuwa Ero:

• Email: training [at] endhomelessnesswinnipeg [dot] ca
• Phone: 204 793-5088

 

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