Join us at the UBC Learning Circle on December 4, 2012 from 1 to 3 p.m. as we welcome Will Morris (Tsartlip) and Susan Armstrong for a special online session on depression and suicide prevention and support.
When: December 4, 2012
Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Via videoconference OR Adobe Connect (for personal computers)
The “Gathering Strength” program aims to build upon existing strengths to achieve health and healing in First Nations communities. This novel suicide prevention and support initiative involves four Saanich First Nations and incorporates a focus on mental health. According to Wayneo Sam of the Gathering Strength Initiative, mental wellness starts with talking about “taboo” subjects and the act of talking about it “takes a lot of heaviness off your chest.” The Gathering Strength group plans activities such as sports camps and police camps to bring communities together to focus on the positive and provide youth with the tools they need for healing.
Our Presenters
William Morris is currently in his fifth year as an elected leader for the Tsartlip First Nation. He is also the South Island HUB Coordinator, which is an initiative through the First Nations Health Authority. He attended Lester B. Pearson College, Camosun College and the University of Victoria, and recently completed his diploma in Language Revitalization at the University of Victoria. William has strong cultural values and beliefs passed on to him from his grandparents and parents, which influence his long-term goal of attending law school. William is the former Chairman of the WSANEC School board that represents the four Saanich nations in the field of Education. He is a former member of the Canadian Coast Guard where he worked as the Lead hand of a rescue vessel along the BC coast. He is a certified Master SCUBA diver instructor and also holds the distinction of Occupational Scuba Diver. William has been married for five years and has been with his wife Marie for 16 years. Together they have two daughters named Hannah and Laila and one son named William.
Susan Armstrong, M.Ed. R.C.C. is a counsellor in private practice and with Carrier Sekani Family Services in Prince George. She has over twenty years experience working as a therapist, clinical supervisor, researcher and community educator in the field of trauma. Susan has been engaged in community development work in a variety of communities and has established a sexual assault response team, written and implemented community wide sexual assault protocols, and suicide prevention and response protocols.
To watch a CTV presentation on this important initiative, click here.
To read an article from the Peninsula News Review, click here.
PowerPoint Presentations
Our speakers have graciously provided their PowerPoint presentations that they presented at the Learning Circle.
Click here to view Susan Armstrong’s presentation on suicide protocol development.
Will Morris’ presentation on the Gathering Strength initiative can be found here.
