Children are sacred, every single one. When traumatized, children respond in predictable and often troublesome ways. Grandmother Pahan Pte San Win’s work with incarcerated youth has taught her some surprising lessons about trauma response and what youth need in order to return to stable and vibrant human beings. Learn Pahan’s approach to offering cultural activities that give youth a reason to be proud and a chance to shine. Hear from Grandfather Wanbdi Wakita how the teachings of Love, Kindness, Forgiveness and Respect can be powerful change agents. Children are sacred teachers. Let’s learn from them.

The Retreat runs from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00p.m. and is intended to create nourishing and relaxing experiences that are rich in Teachings and inspiration, while also taking time to reflect, integrate and unwind. We will sit with the fire, relax and walk in nature, journal, eat good food and be with others also seeking to walk with Indigenous community in a good way.

Registration includes, lunch, dinner and snack.

Wanbdi Wakita is a Wicasa Wakan, a Holy Man, who has spent a lifetime making prayers for people. As a residential school survivor, peace keeper with the Canadian Armed Forces, Chief of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation and Sundance Chief, Wanbdi has walked many paths.  In 2015 he received the Aboriginal Circle of Educators’ Honouring Our Elders award and in 2016 the Order of Manitoba for his life long work to support those in need and to champion a message of healing and unity between all nations. Wanbdi is a gifted counselor and storyteller who possesses a rare breadth of traditional, cultural and sacred knowledge.

Pahan Pte San Win is Lakota, Cree & Metis with a degree in social work from the University of Calgary. Pahan has provided counseling support to residential school survivors, traumatized women and incarcerated men and youth. In 2016, Pahan received the Aboriginal Circle of Educators’ Honouring Our Elders Award. She is an accomplished storyteller sharing remarkable accounts on her blog, www.IMarriedaHolyMan.com and a published author contributing to the anthology “Keetsahnak / Our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Sisters”, editors Anderson, Campbell and Belcourt (2018). Perhaps most importantly, Pahan is the Sundance leader for the Sundance of Women 2017 – 2020.
Manitoba College of Social Workers has approved this workshop for the content specific Social Work with Indigenous Peoples requirement.
Recommended for professionals who work with children such as teachers, parents, child & youth care workers, social workers, as well as indigenous and non indigenous community members.