A local counsellor has partnered with two Indigenous counsellors to host a series of webinars in an effort to aid non-Indigenous people “become better allies to First Nations individuals in Canada.”
Janice Selbie, registered personal counsellor in Kelowna, will co-host the event with First Nations counsellors Louise Snowdown and Reg Phillips.
Phillips is also an elder from Sto:lo territory from Sts’ailes (near Agassiz, BC).
Snowdon is a somatic experiencing practitioner from Wei Wei Kim territory (Campbell River). Somatic experiencing is a form of therapy for patients experiencing trauma and stress related disorders such as PTSD.
“The word in our language that best represents the goal of our collaboration is ‘małt’ega̱’atła̱la”, which translates from Kwak’wala language to mean ‘journey to understanding each other’," Snowdon explains.
According to the statement, the group will work to answer questions such as:
Is it cultural appropriation for me to wear or say certain things?
Why are First Nations people still disadvantaged after receiving financial reparations?
Is it racist to ask about a person’s heritage?
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The event will aim to provide resources to the general public, educators and health care providers.
The online webinar will happen on Thursday, Oct. 14 and you can visit this link if you are interested.
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