Variety of sessions planned for Believe conference

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Hope, courage and strength will be the main issues discussed at the Believe in the Healing conference in Victoria on April 14 through 16. The conference will explore traditional and contemporary strategies for healing, moving on and reaching a higher moral, spiritual and accepting ground.

Dr. Martin Collis, former professor at the University of Victoria, singer and motivational speaker will be on hand to share his message in an entertaining fashion.

George "Melas" Taylor will present a combination of dancing and speaking and, under his direction, Le-La-La Dancers from Victoria will express the spirit of sharing and unity while performing dances and songs of the Kwakwaku'wakw Nation.

Comedian Don Burnstick of the Cree Nation, who now lives in Winnipeg and has been involved in the wellness and healing movement for years, will share his humorous view of the world. Conference sessions will include everything from drum making to the exploration of the relationship between physical, spiritual and emotional well being.

Theresa Ducharme, a Metis from Winnipeg, director of Positive Self and a former international fashion model, will talk about self-esteem issues. She will also help delegates create a fashion show for the closing ceremony.

David Hatfield will lead A Guy's-Only Exploration of What It Means to Be a Man to teach alternatives to violence and victimization through humor, and anger and fear management skills training.

In the Butterfly Collector, youth Taralyn Delcambre will share her personal journey of street life survival.

"She has straightened herself out and she is quite a powerful little speaker," said Barbara Smith, whose company Barbara Smith and Associates created the conference 11 years ago.

Smith said this may be a final year for the conference.

"I think it's time to move on."

Smith said she'll talk to the delegates and find out what they would like her to do.

"I'm hoping to find some new ideas." She doesn't want the conference to get stale.

Each day of the conference will feature one keynote speaker, and then continue with numerous focus sessions. There is no deadline for registration and fees vary. For more information, call (250) 598-1039.