Walking with the Wounded is an experiential, strengths-based approach and process to understanding and healing childhood trauma and the cycles underlying individual and inter-generational impacts. Directly using the perspective of those who have themselves experienced the trauma, this experiential workshop (which is an introduction to the 3 day course) takes a close look at child abuse and torture and the undermining of healthy child and youth development caused deliberately or inadvertently through abusive systems, organizations and policies.
The Canadian Residential Schools for First Nations children, the South African Apartheid approach to children and the Australian treatment of Aboriginal children are examples of historic widespread systemic abuse of children with profound impacts on the individuals and their families, as well as the generations to come. The many ripple effects are seen and experienced today by children, youth, families, Elders, communities, and all those serving children and youth. Through participation participants will be encouraged to make sense of the past and the present, to honor the truth, to honor tradition and other strengths while breaking the cycles holding them, their families, their friends, their colleagues, their Nations, or their communities ‘hostage’. The workshop is for those who are on their own journey of healing, those who seek to understand history and its impact then and now, and those who wish to play a healing role in the lives of children, youth and adults who are hurting. The emphasis is on how much strength each participant brings to the process regardless of personal pain, background or qualification and how as wounded healers(1) every individual makes a significant difference in supporting the healing of others.
(1)Desmond Tutu. The South African Truth and Reconciliation Report.
Online registration is closed. Please call 1-888-647-2532 to inquire about our limited availability.
About the Trainer
Lesley du Toit, MSc CCA, has worked with and on behalf of children, youth, families and communities for more than 30 years in various capacities, including clinical practice, social policy, residential treatment, and community development. She presently lives in Canada and divides her time as a consultant between Canada and South Africa, her home country. Lesley is a strong advocate of both children’s Rights and Indigenous Rights and has a particular interest in the wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples and their children. Her specific expertise lies in facilitating systemic evaluation and change; working with and behalf of hurting and troubled children, youth and families; supporting capacity development and wellbeing in indigenous communities; Reconciliation; and teaching professionals who serve young people. Lesley has had the unique experience of leading transformation of child serving systems in both South Africa as special advisor and manager of the Inter-ministerial Committee on Children and Youth for President Mandela and his Cabinet, and in Canada as the Deputy Minister of Children and Family Development in BC. She holds University qualifications in Social Work, Clinical Psychology and Child and Youth Care and subscribes heavily to strengths-based, ecological approaches in the work she undertakes. Lesley has authored a number of courses, such as The Developmental Assessment (TDA); Developmental Quality Assurance (DQA), Walking with the Wounded; and Response Ability Pathways, which she co-authored with Dr Larry Brendtro.
Workshop Fee
$180 (U.S. Funds). $170 group rate for 5 or more, prepaid applications submitted together.
Training Site and Accommodations
Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites (Phone #800-663-5896) www.harbourtowers.com
345 Quebec Street, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8V 1W4
Room Rate: $99 - $119 (CAD) Hotel deadline for group rate: March 26, 2013
Harbour Towers Hotel & Suites is a 12 story, 4 Star, 3 Diamond rated hotel conveniently located in Victoria's downtown Inner Harbour area, just steps away from shopping, the Provincial Legislative Buildings, The Royal BC Museum & IMAX Theatre, art galleries, whale and marine life adventure tours, horse-drawn carriages and dozens of world-class restaurants.
Space is limited at the Harbour Towers, but there are many other hotels in the area. Here are some of our suggestions:
The Oswego Hotel
The Oswego Hotel is a unique, stylish, modern boutique hotel built in 2007. It is located next door to the Harbour Towers Hotel and Suites (it's about a 30-second walk). The Oswego Hotel has reserved a room block for our group during the seminars, and will be held until March 25, 2013. One Bedroom Standard Suite Rate is $105/night. Ask for the Reclaiming Youth International Group Rate - Booking ID: 12060.
Cost Victoria Harbourside Hotel and Marina
The Coast Victoria Harbourside is a short walk from the Harbour Towers. The cost is $109/night for single or double occupancy. Call the toll free reservation line at 1-800-663-1144 and ask for the group block under Reclaiming Youth International or the booking code of CVH-GFC5596. Or visit www.coasthotels.com select British Columbia and then select the Coast Victoria Harbourside. Click on the reservation tab and enter the code CVH-GFC5596.
Best Western Plus, Inner Harbour
Best Western Plus, Inner Harbour is conveniently located across the street from the Harbour Towers Hotel and Suites. Space is limited. Call to inquire about reservations.
Travel Arrangements
All participants are responsible for their own transportation. Taxi service is available throughout the city. Shuttle service is also available from the Victoria Airport to the hotel via "The Airport Shuttle". The cost is approximately $20 CAD (one way). Estimated travel time is approximately 45 minutes.
Training Schedule: Registration 8:30-9:00 a.m. Training 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (lunch is provided)
Contact Us: Reclaiming Youth International, PO Box 57, Lennox, SD 57039 USA
Phone: (605) 647-2532 Fax: (605) 647-5212
E-mail: seminars@reclaiming.com
Online registration is closed. Please call 1-888-647-2532 to inquire about our limited availability.
