Healing through Tradition: Reclaiming Culture, Identity, and Spirituality

Presented by Varleisha D. Lyons, Ph.D, OTD, OTR/L

Monday, July 14, 2025 – Thursday, July 17, 2025  |  British Columbia, Canada, Kelowna

Date & Location

Workshop Description

Join Dr. Lyons in this transformative four-day workshop, Healing through Tradition: Reclaiming Culture, Identity, and Spirituality, held in Kelowna, BC. This workshop is designed to provide participants with a deep understanding of trauma, spirituality, and cultural healing practices from an Indigenous perspective. Day 1 focuses on the foundational concepts of intergenerational trauma, exploring its historical roots and its profound impact on identity, culture, and overall well-being. Participants will learn about the role of spirituality in healing, with an emphasis on Indigenous spiritual traditions and ceremonies that promote resilience and recovery. Storytelling and traditional knowledge will also be explored as vital tools for preserving culture and fostering healing within communities.

On Day 2, the workshop transitions to practical strategies for healing and community empowerment. Participants will explore how to integrate Indigenous healing practices into mental health care and educational settings, equipping them with culturally relevant tools for supporting individual and collective well-being. Through interactive discussions, participants will develop an understanding of how communal practices—such as traditional ceremonies and group healing activities—can strengthen communities and promote long-term resilience. The day will also delve into the importance of cultural identity reclamation and the vital role youth play in these processes, through mentorship and leadership initiatives.

Days 3 and 4 focus on applying the lessons learned and empowering communities to move forward in the healing journey. On Day 3, participants will engage in cultural connection activities that integrate mindfulness, meditation, and grounding exercises, while reflecting on their personal and collective healing journeys. The group will also reconnect with ancestral wisdom through storytelling and spiritual rituals. Day 4 culminates in collaborative action planning, where participants will work together to create community-based healing projects, fostering Indigenous leadership and education. The workshop will conclude with a celebratory closing circle and a communal healing ceremony, honoring the shared growth, cultural reconnection, and renewed commitment to healing within Indigenous communities. Set in the beautiful landscape of Kelowna, BC, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to connect with both the land and each other in the pursuit of collective healing.

Learning Objectives 

Day 1: Understanding Trauma and Spirituality in Healing

• Understand Intergenerational Trauma
  Recognize its historical roots and ongoing effects on identity, culture, and well-being.
• Explore Spirituality in Healing
  Appreciate the role of Indigenous spiritual practices and ceremonies in promoting resilience.
• Value Storytelling and Traditional Knowledge
  Learn how storytelling preserves culture and fosters healing.

Day 2: Practical Approaches to Healing and Community Empowerment

• Integrate Indigenous Healing Practices
  Apply cultural tools and strategies in mental health and educational settings.
• Strengthen Communities Through Healing
  Use communal practices like ceremonies and wellness circles to promote resilience.
• Reclaim Cultural Identity
  Recognize the importance of language, cultural practices, and youth involvement in healing.

Day 3: Guided Healing Practices and Cultural Revitalization

• Engage in Healing Practices
  Participate in mindfulness, meditation, and grounding exercises for personal and collective healing.
• Reconnect with Ancestral Wisdom
  Explore storytelling and spiritual rituals for healing and cultural revitalization.
• Empower Youth in Cultural Healing
  Develop strategies for youth mentorship and leadership in cultural preservation.

Day 4: Application, Collaboration, and Moving Forward

• Develop Community-Based Healing Initiatives
  Collaborate on creating actionable, community-driven healing projects.
• Reflect and Commit to Ongoing Healing
  Commit to applying workshop teachings in personal and community healing efforts.
• Participate in a Communal Healing Ceremony
  Celebrate shared growth and reaffirm commitment to cultural reconnection and healing.

Who Should Attend

Education and Clinical Professionals: K–12 Classroom Teachers, School Counsellors/Psychologists, Learning Assistance/ Resource Teachers, School Administrators, School Paraprofessionals including Special Education Assistants, Classroom Assistants and Childcare Workers. All other professionals who support students including but not limited to: Nurses, Social Workers, Psychologists, Clinical Counsellors, Family Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Addiction Counsellors, Youth Workers, Mental Health Workers, Probation Officers, and Early Childhood Educators.

Agenda

Day 1: Understanding Trauma and the Role of Spirituality in Healing

Registration and Welcome

• Opening circle: Introduce objectives and set expectations.
• Overview of the agenda and ground rules for participation.

Exploring Intergenerational Trauma

• Define intergenerational trauma and discuss its historical roots (e.g., colonization, forced assimilation).
• Examine the effects of trauma on identity, culture, and well-being.

Spirituality in Healing

• Highlight the role of Indigenous spiritual traditions and ceremonies.
• Discuss how spiritual practices promote resilience and recovery.

Storytelling and Traditional Knowledge

• Discuss the power of storytelling in preserving cultural knowledge.
• Explore how oral traditions foster healing and resilience.

Day 2: Practical Approaches to Healing and Community Empowerment

Morning Reflection

• Opening circle: Group reflections on Day 1.

Integrating Indigenous Healing Practices

• Practical tools for incorporating spiritual and cultural traditions into education and mental health care.

Strategies for Individual and Collective Healing

• Using traditional ceremonies in therapy and group settings.
• Building community resilience through collective healing practices like communal feasts and wellness circles.

Reclaiming Cultural Identity

• Discuss the role of language and cultural practices in restoring balance.
• Emphasize the importance of youth involvement through mentorship and leadership.

Day 3: Guided Healing Practices and Cultural Revitalization

Cultural Connection Activities

• Engage in traditional mindfulness, meditation, and grounding exercises.
• Share reflections on personal and cultural healing journeys.

Reconnecting to Ancestral Wisdom

• Participate in group storytelling sessions.
• Learn about the significance of spiritual rituals and traditional knowledge in healing.

Youth Engagement

• Explore ways to involve youth in cultural preservation and healing practices.
• Create action plans for mentorship programs.

Day 4: Application, Collaboration, and Moving Forward

Reflection and Action Planning

• Opening circle: Reflect on insights and takeaways from the previous days.
• Discuss the importance of applying learning in community contexts.

Collaborative Healing Initiatives

• Develop community-based healing project ideas.
• Brainstorm strategies to empower Indigenous leaders and educators.

Closing Circle

• Celebrate shared growth and cultural connections.
• Conclude with a communal healing ceremony.

Registration & Fees