Symposium Summary:
This symposium, moderated by Lisa Sansom, will explore how wellbeing can be measured and cultivated amongst Indigenous populations in Canada that have been marginalized through addictions and/or incarceration and may feel that they do not belong and do not matter. Michael Gauthier will speak to the distress experienced by Aboriginal peoples involved with the Criminal Justice System, and the power of “restorying” their lives, using the Medicine Tipi Wheel. Rolanda Manitowabi will speak about her experience applying positive psychology interventions in addiction services at the Ngwaagan Gamig Recovery Centre Inc. Andrew Soren will speak about partnering with Indigenous organizations to explore the relationships that exist between the VIA classification of Character Strengths and Virtues, with Indigenous knowledges like the Seven Grandfather Teaching and Medicine Wheel. Taken as a whole, this symposium will explore the fundamental belief that wellbeing is not just a mainstream idea - nor is it in any way new. Researchers and practitioners should be deeply curious about how wellbeing has been applied across cultures and in different contexts, including the traditions of Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island. This symposium will shed light on how the field of positive psychology would benefit from a deeper interdependence of research and practice between mainstream and Indigenous perspectives on wellbeing.
Symposium Presentation 1 Proposal:
Title: Restorying Aboriginal Lives
Presenter: Michael Gauthier, PhD
Proposal: Michael Gauthier will speak to the distress experienced by Aboriginal peoples involved with the Criminal Justice System, and the power of “restorying” their lives, using the Medicine Tipi Wheel. This will be discussed also with business partner Mike Ethier.
It is only through honest communication that change can be realised. At Life-Circle Consulting we have seen the desire for Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people to reconcile and build a respectful and mutually beneficial relationship. Life-Circle Consulting brings together real life experiences and the latest research with a vision towards a healthy positive tomorrow.
Our philosophy is best illustrated through our “Medicine Tipi Wheel” approach which utilizes the power of the Indigenous culture and world class teaching and communication tools.
Symposium Presentation 2 Proposal:
Title: Restorying Aboriginal Lives
Presenter: Mike Ethier, B. Comm
Proposal: Mike Ethier will speak to the distress experienced by Aboriginal peoples involved with the Criminal Justice System, and the power of “restorying” their lives, using the Medicine Tipi Wheel. This will be discussed also with business partner Michael Gauthier.
It is only through honest communication that change can be realised. At Life-Circle Consulting we have seen the desire for Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people to reconcile and build a respectful and mutually beneficial relationship. Life-Circle Consulting brings together real life experiences and the latest research with a vision towards a healthy positive tomorrow.
Our philosophy is best illustrated through our “Medicine Tipi Wheel” approach which utilizes the power of the Indigenous culture and world class teaching and communication tools.
Symposium Presentation 3 Proposal:
Title: Applying Positive Psychology Interventions in Addiction Services
Presenter: Rolanda Manitowabi
Proposal: Rolanda Manitowabi, Executive Director, will speak about her experience applying positive psychology interventions in addiction services at the Ngwaagan Gamig Recovery Centre Inc. Ngwaagan Gamig Recovery Centre Inc. is dedicated to the delivery of culturally-based addictions treatment and prevention services. The vision is to empower individuals and families toward a healthy lifestyle, healing and wellness, through education and utilizing cultural holistic approaches.
Symposium Presentation 4 Proposal:
Title: Exploring the Relationships Between VIA and Indigenous Knowledges
Presenter: Andrew Soren, MAPP
Proposal: Andrew Soren will speak about partnering with Indigenous organizations to explore the relationships that exist between the VIA classification of Character Strengths and Virtues, with Indigenous knowledges like the Seven Grandfather Teaching and Medicine Wheel. Andrew is the CEO of Eudaimonic by Design: eu·dī·mo·nia is an ancient word with no direct translation. It’s the state of our best selves, the source of high performance, the foundation of meaningful work. You may never use the term, but when your stakeholders are truly engaged, acting ethically and pursuing excellence, they are eudaimonic.