This workshop session will provide an overview of the Traditional Family Life-cycle of First Nations people prior to contact. Developed by Bea Shawanda from the National Treatment Centres Association in the 1990’s it gives participants a perspective of the extended family unit and the devastation that resulted from the Residential Schools, 60’s Scoop and the current Child Welfare System.  With many youth, women and elders becoming homeless, it is important for service providers to be aware of the history of Indigenous people prior to contact the roles and history as a healer will be discussed.  Ways to interact respectfully with First Nations, Metis and Inuit people and resources for continued learning will be offered.

Instructor: Diana Day (Pacific Association of First Nations Women).

Diana Day is First Nations from the Oneida Nation, a member of the Wolf Clan and has lived in Vancouver since the early 80’s.  Diana is passionate about social justice issues that impact the health and welfare of the most vulnerable.  Diana has an honours degree in Psychology and is the Lead Matriarch for the Pacific Association of First Nations Women since June of 2017. Her work experience includes work at the local, regional, provincial and national level ranging from program development to management.  With exceptional facilitation skills Diana has provided personal and professional development training for Indigenous people in Canada and the US. Diana volunteers as a board member of the Metro Vancouver Aboriginal Executive Council in Vancouver. Her most important role is mothering her two young adult children Alexander and Angeline, both in Post Secondary Studies.