Saskatchewan launches trauma and cultural sensitivity training
Two Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists created a 12-hour program teaching racism awareness and healing in the arts.
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Two Saskatchewan artists have launched a training program aimed at teaching artists and organizations how to address trauma and cultural sensitivity head-on.
The Community Arts Mentorship Program's Trauma-Informed and Cultural Sensitivity Training (T.A.C.T.) runs 12 hours over two days and covers everything from lectures to practical exercises. Co-founders Eliza Doyle and Holly Yuzicapi, who are Indigenous and non-Indigenous respectively, created the program after recognizing a need to help artists become more culturally aware.
"We all know there's something going on, so let's just talk about it," Doyle said. "That's what we try to do in these training courses."
Recent data from Statistics Canada shows nearly half of racialized Canadians faced racism and discrimination in the past five years. The program has since expanded beyond its initial artist focus to work with diverse organizations requesting training.
Prevention specialist and addictions counsellor Rend Teed, who brings decades of experience to the training, emphasizes the importance of opening minds. "Most racism, most discrimination is really fear-based," Teed said. "Ultimately, what we're trying to do is open up people's minds, which reduces fear."
Participants have reported immediate shifts in perspective. One attendee said the program helped him understand how to move forward constructively. "How do we facilitate that healing with each other and within ourselves?" he reflected after the first day.