PROGRAM GUIDE - American Humane Association

Honouring the Circle, Connections and Wisdom
Post-Conference Event: Helping the Helper Learning Circle
WHAT:
WHERE:
WHEN:
WHO:
COST:
A full day of learning circles dedicated to Indigenous practices
Doubletree International/Hilton Toronto (same venue as the conference)
September 28, 2011 9:30 – 3:00 pm
For those practicing Aboriginal approaches, or wanting to learn
$135, includes breakfast, breaks and lunch
In September 2011, American Humane Association, Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies and George Hull
Centre will host the first annual Canadian conference on Family Group Conferencing. The conference includes Keynote
speakers and workshop sessions presented by those who practice structured Family Group Conferencing as well as those
who practice in Canadian Aboriginal traditional practices.
Honouring the Circle features four plenary sessions and 30 workshops, and of these over 40% of the presentations are
offered by First Nation, Métis, Inuit and Aboriginal practitioners. This significant opportunity to learn about traditional
ways comes as a result of the interest of those responding to the Call for Papers, as well as the work of the Aboriginal
Practices Planning Group. Impressed by the number and quality of the presentations, this group suggested that an extra
day be added to the conference to allow for additional sharing and reflection. It will also allow delegates to catch up with
presenters that they may have missed because of the many concurrent special sessions that focus on Aboriginal ways.
The Post Conference Learning Circle will focus on Indigenous practices and provide additional learning and networking
for those practicing, or interested in traditional Aboriginal approaches to helping children, families and communities.
Unlike the more formal workshop sessions held during the conference, this day will be less structured and will use
the format of talking and healing circles as the way to share and learn. It will be an opportunity to talk about how
practitioners might apply new learning and techniques in their own communities.
The experiential Helping the Helper Learning Circle will begin with a traditional ceremony and will be facilitated by
a Cultural Teacher, an Elder and other presenters who are participating in the conference. The intent of the circle is to
strengthen our practice with Aboriginal families through the examination of our roles as helpers with Aboriginal families
and communities.
By joining the session you have will the opportunity to:
• Learn how to improve your role as a helper in Aboriginal Communities
• Share and learn from colleagues about strategies, customs and programs that strengthen Aboriginal families
struggling with domestic violence, substance abuse and cultural isolation
• Understand the importance of wellness in the helping role
• Develop cultural literacy through participation in experiential cultural learning practices
• Reflect on practices that promote or hinder Aboriginal family and community self reliance
Itinerary for the Day
9:00 Welcome and opening prayer
1st Circle:
2nd Circle:
Honouring the Family and Community as the center of Harmony
Understanding the roles and responsibilities of helpers in Aboriginal Communities
12:00 Celebration Feast
3rd Circle:
4th Circle:
Sharing Aboriginal strategies, traditions and programs to rebuild the Family Circle
Promoting wellness for helpers
Closing circle