Consciousness: Mindfulness and the medicine wheel

Presented by: Don Robinson

Workshop description:
Mindfulness was important in our Aboriginal communities and was a rite of passage for young people emerging into adulthood. Today, people are hooked into modern technology; television, computers, and cell phones, and have fast forwarded into the space age. This fast pace has become normal and addictive for many. This workshop will introduce the concept of “slowing the mind down” and realizing the power of our consciousness. Traditional teachings and ceremonial practices supporting this mindfulness skills practice will be presented.

Responding to families after a suicidal situation

Presented by: Don Robinson

Workshop description:
In this seminar a step-by-step response to the after-shock of a suicidal situation will be presented. First Nations spiritual practices will be outlined in detail as to what is appropriate. This spiritual experience is designed to enable family members and friends to experience closure. This experience is done in this way so that everyone will feel as though there is something that they can do, other than experiencing a state of helplessness. Individuals and family members will experience together a healing ceremony for the loved who has committed suicide.

Spiritual laws and traditional teachings relating to violence in all forms: restoring the teaching of the elders for the younger generations

Presented by: Don Robinson

Workshop description:

Violence is evident in our families and communities with devastating impacts on individual members. Violence is a learned behaviour that results in abuse against children, women, elders, and the community. Addictions have become one of the negative behaviours used as a coping mechanism with these powerful drugs becoming very harmful. Suicidal circumstances can take place because of alcohol or drug addictions that may have taken place over an extended period of time. Violence and addictions are connected and appear to be involved in various forms of suicide.

People have recovered from addictions using spiritual laws and traditional teachings of the ancestors. These teachings will be of interest to those struggling with addictions, family members, and the community of helpers.   

A Dialogue for Life will examine the obstacles separating elders, the parents and youth and present on teachings that could bridge the generation gap. A sacred past teaches us that on the cycle of life our children and youth would spend time with the elders. Adults and parents would seek counsel, advice, and support from the elders. Many historical and negative forces created the current dynamics where the younger generations do not seek elders’ teaching and/or support. In addition, the modern world has intervened with high speed technological developments to further deepen the generation gap. In a healing situation or workshop we must find a way to bring them together and to cause them to become as one in a healing process.