January 27, 2005 - 4:00pm
Malaspina University-College’s Child and Youth Care First Nations program is hosting a two-day conference called "The Heart of the Matter: Working with Aboriginal Children, Youth, Families and Communities" on February 10 and 11 at the Cowichan Community Centre on James Street in Duncan.
Workshops are designed for educators, front line workers in child welfare and child and youth care, nursing, community agency practitioners, and administrators.
"Anyone interested in learning more about Aboriginal approaches to working with children, youth, families and communities is welcome to attend," said Bruce Cooke-Dallin, one of the organizers.
The conference will showcase the work of First Nations practitioners and "provides a place to come together for people whose work contributes to the growth and strength of aboriginal children, youth, families and communities," he said.
Presenters offer interactive workshops that build on attendees' knowledge and skills, as well as model culturally relevant activities. Central themes include strengths and assets of community, culturally relevant practise, and creating opportunities for belonging, independence, generosity and mastery (competence).
The conference begins on Thursday, February 10 with day-time workshops. A banquet follows at 6 pm at the Quw’utsun’ Cultural and Conference Centre on Cowichan Way (beside the Malaspina University-College campus) featuring a performance by the Quamichan and Koksilah Youth Dancers, and a keynote address by Cindy Blackstock, Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada, and an internationally renowned speaker.
Blackstock, a member of the Gitksan Nation, has worked in the field of child and family services for over 20 years. She is a member of the United Nations working group on the Rights of the Child, co-director of the Child Welfare Centre of Excellence and a board member of the Canadian Coalition on the Rights of the Child.
Blackstock will facilitate two workshops. The Caring Across Boundaries workshop looks at ways to bring together the voluntary and non-profit sector with Aboriginal communities. The Community Development Approach to Child Welfare workshop explores community development and child health and well being.
Registrations for "The Heart of the Matter: Working with Aboriginal Children, Youth, Families and Communities" are still being accepted. Please call Bruce Cooke-Dallin at (250) 746-3564 or Leslie Welin at (250) 746-3570. More information about the conference is available at www.web.viu.ca/cycfncon/
Tags: In the Community
