Global trauma central to conference discussion

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According to Sandra Caswell, the community program manager of the Institute on Addictions Studies, the world has been affected by the events of Sept.11. That's why global trauma will be centre stage in discussions at the institute's annual conference in Barrie, Ont. from July 14 to 18. People who will most benefit from the conference are those who already work in the addictions field, particularly front line workers.

"This conference used to be based on alcohol-related topics. Now we take on other issues around addictions. Basically our theme is all about what is happening in the world today. As a result of what happened on Sept. 11, people are unsure and wondering about life. Trauma really does affect all communities. I think especially in the work that we do which centres around addictions, it is important for us to know what to do when people are coming to us with trauma issues," said Caswell.

"It could be vicarious trauma, if you have to listen to what people are telling you about the trauma they are experiencing, as a trainer and a counselor, it is hard not to internalize it and it is important to know how to deal with that," she said.

The conference will be held on Lake Simcoe, a 15-minute drive from Barrie.

"We are going to have the conference a bit out of the city of Barrie. It is a really nice location right on the lake. People usually fly into Toronto, and there is airport transportation provided that takes you right from the airport to the front door," said Caswell.

Structured workshops during the day and leisure activities in the evening are part of the five-day conference.

"Some of the activities available in the evening help people to debrief, some are for support, some are to expand on learning, while others are just fun stuff. We have a lot of stuff going on, people can pick and choose what works for them," she said.

More than 130 people are expected to attend the conference.

"It is not a huge conference so the people really connect with each other. This conference is open to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people and I think that it is a respectful combination... This year we are going to build and run a sweatlodge as one of the activities and we will be having morning ceremonies by the lake. We are also going to do a full-day workshop, called the dream catcher workshop, facilitated by a fellow by the name of Roger Jones who is an Ojibway Elder. He will be doing some traditional healing as well," Caswell said.

"There are a lot of networking opportunities at the conference, especially if you work in the area in your community. You could take back information on what types of other facilities are out there that you could refer people to. We also have very high-rated speakers. The education component is basically first and foremost. Our keynote speaker is from Australia," said Caswell.