Staff Training and Development

1. First Nation Recovery & Wellness Training (addictions)

Training Overview

The Recovery & Wellness Training includes the following training which is delivered over 8 weeks. Each course is five days long and will be accredited through the Indigenous Certification Board of Canada (ICBOC) – currently in process.

Who should take this training?

Health Directors, Recovery & Wellness Workers, Prevention Workers, and Community Wellness Workers

Week 1 – Personal Development (5 days)

Week 2 – Reclaiming Indigeneity/Decolonizing current processes (5 days)

Week 3 - Addictions/Individual/Community level (5 days)

Week 4 – Neuroscience and pharmacology of addictions (5 days)

Week 5 – Recovery & Wellness Program Development (5 days)

Week 6 – Workshop Facilitation – In House (5 days)

Week 7 – Prevention/Capacity Building (5 days)

Week 8 – Professional Boundaries/Case Management (5 days)

2. First Nation Representative Services Training (child protection)

Training Overview

This training is delivered over five community sessions, each lasting one to two days. The sessions are designed to be interactive and engaging, with a mix of presentations, group discussions, and practical exercises. 

Who should take this training?

Community Leadership, Directors of First Nation Programs, First Nation Representatives, Prevention Workers, and Child Protection Staff.

a) Community Engagement (1 day)
This one-day training is designed to give leadership, elders, and community members an overall orientation on the work of the First Nation Representative. Through this training, you will review and discuss the role and responsibilities of the First Nation Representative, gaining a deeper understanding of the history of First Nations child welfare, TRC recommendations—child welfare-focused, the development of Bill C-92, the difference between prevention and protection, and the importance of having a well-defined First Nation Representative Services program.

b) First Nation Representative Overview (2 days)
This two-day training program combines foundational knowledge, practical application, and interactive learning to equip First Nation representatives with the tools and confidence to serve their communities effectively.

c) Records and Financial Management Planning (2 days)
This two-day training on First Nation Representative Records and Financial Management aims to provide participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage vital records and financial information in compliance with First Nations governance frameworks, regulations, and best practices

d) Legal/Court Processes (2 days)
This two-day training in First Nation Representative Legal/Court Processes provides participants with the knowledge, tools, and skills necessary to navigate the legal landscape affecting First Nations, with particular emphasis on Child & Family court processes and Indigenous rights under Bill C-92.

e) Summary of Training (1 day)
A Final Wrap-Up Training for the First Nation Representative Training is a comprehensive review and reflection on all the key topics covered throughout the four previous sessions.

3. First Nation Prevention Training (Prevention)

Training Overview

The Prevention Training provides Frist Nation Communities on how to effectively deliver Prevention Services in their community. Community Prevention Services are distinctly different from Protection services and communities need to be informed how these services can reduce the number of children in care.  

Who should take this training?

Community Leaders, Directors, Prevention Workers, and Community Wellness Workers

Training  offered:

a) Prevention planning through CFS lens (2 days)Wrap around service planning and models (2 days) = 4 - day training
This training is designed to give you information on:
• The difference between prevention and protection.
• How Prevention is essential in preventing CFS involvement.
• Using Prevention terms and language over CFS language. Understanding the wrap-around service model from a Prevention community lens.

b) Case notes/ documenting - 2-day training
This training is designed to give you information on:
• Explore Indigenous model of case management/documentation.
• Explore ethical issues in case management/documentation.
• Understand important documentation required in a case file.
•Understand the importance of strength-based documentation.

c) Communication Skills- Engaging families - 2-day training
This training is designed to give you information on:
• Understand the key areas of communication.
•Develop effective communication skills.
•Skills in building rapport and trust through strength-based strategies.
• Essential techniques in communication skills in building positive relationships.

d) Multiple Priorities and Effective Time management – 2- day training
This training is designed to give you information on:
• Assessing your own use of time and identify areas of improvement.
• Time management tools – what works best for you.
• Draft a framework/schedule for effective time management.
• Understanding the benefits of managing multiple priorities.
• Roughing out a schedule that could help you use your time more effectively.

4. First Nation Wrap-around Services Training (community wellness)

Training Overview

The focus of this training involves how each First Nation community organizes and prioritizes their essential services.
An initial meeting with community leaders and Directors is required to start the process of implementing an effective wrap-around approach.