CSPDM Series: The Generational Effects of Abuse and Trauma on Indigenous Mental Health – September 22nd 2022

The CSPDM Board of Directors is pleased to present this webinar ahead of National Truth and Reconciliation Day, September 30, 2022.

Date: September 22, 2022
Time: 08:00-0930 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
CEC: 1.5 hrs.

National Indian Residential School Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419

Webinar Recording: Irene Robinson: The Generational Effects of Abuse and Trauma on Indigenous Mental Health

 Registration is now closed

Confirmation of attendance: A confirmation of attendance email will be sent out a day after the webinar. This will be coming directly from ZOOM. This and all email confirmations for NIDMAR / CSPDM hosted webinars that have CEC hours can be attached to your CEC Summary as proof of attendance and submitted with your next renewal package.

Through dialogue and storytelling, you will hear first-hand the impact of attitudes/beliefs developed through colonialism on indigenous people and the connection between past and present. The recent publication of In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in B.C. Healthcare, has reminded us that issues of racism and discrimination, rooted in a system that gave rise to residential schools and Indian Hospitals, continues to impact indigenous people’s access to health.

As Disability Management Professionals, we have an obligation to be curious about systemic barriers and cultural issues related to injury and disability that may impact a worker’s ability to access healthcare and return to work supports.

This webinar will provide you with the opportunity to reflect on your own practice, biases and learning needs as it relates to supporting indigenous workers who are disabled.

Featured Speaker:

Irene Robinson
Irene is a Tseshaht woman of the Nuu chah nulth Tribal Council. She currently works as a Quu’asa Outreach Wellness Worker, Teechuktl Mental Health Services. Her indigenous name is ƛloyis, meaning, “calms rough waters”.

Irene is a mother of 8 (5 girls and 3 boys) and a grandmother of 6 (2 girls and 4 boys ). Born in Port Alberni, Irene comes from a family of 10 girls and 1 boy and numerous foster children and grew up across the fence from the Port Alberni Indian Residential School, later the Port Alberni Student Residence. Her parents and grandparents attended residential school and she grew up experiencing first-hand, the generational effects of residential school. While she and her siblings did not attend residential school, she watched her parents feed and hide children who were running away from the school.

In her late teens and early 20’s Irene was involved with the Native Alliance for Red Power, experiencing a time when racism was not only acceptable but practised openly. Irene became involved with the Native Alliance for Red Power. This organization empowered her and contributed to her growth by challenging the status quo in Indigenous and settler thinking of that time.

Irene has a Bachelor of Arts in First Nations Studies, with distinction, from Malaspina University College (now Vancouver Island University). She has taken many courses such as Peer Counseling, Healing Touch, Suicide Prevention, Sexual Abuse, Family Violence, First Aid, Foodsafe, and Core Training.

In her words: “I am speaking here today because one of my mom’s teachings was that when you learn something it becomes your responsibility to share it. So today I share my knowledge and my teachings with you. Thank you for attending.”

 

Suggested Pre-Reading / Resources:

  • 5 Little Indians by Michelle Good (2020 – impacts of residential schools)
  • Crazywater by Brian Maracle (1993 – history of first nations people and alcohol)

NFB Canada, 2013, documentary, [ https://www.nfb.ca/film/crazywater/ | https://www.nfb.ca/film/crazywater/ ]

  • Indian Act Colonialism: A Century of Dishonor, 1869-1969 by John Milloy (2008)

 

[ https://fngovernance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/milloy.pdf | https://fngovernance.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/milloy.pdf ]

  • In Plain Sight (2020, Dr. Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond)

 

[ https://engage.gov.bc.ca/app/uploads/sites/613/2020/11/In-Plain-Sight-Summary-Report.pdf | https://engage.gov.bc.ca/app/uploads/sites/613/2020/11/In-Plain-Sight-Summary-Report.pdf ]