A discussion guide for service providers to address the role of identity and stigma in the healing journey is currently under development.  Built on the research project’s key findings, the discussion guide has 3 goals. They are: (1) to raise awareness about the role of identity and stigma in the healing journeys of Aboriginal women in treatment for drug abuse; (2) to offer hope and inspiration gathered from over 100 Aboriginal women in substance abuse treatment who shared their healing journeys; and (3) to learn from one another.

SUMMARY REPORT: Song and DVD Development Workshop – “Aboriginal Women Drug Users in Conflict with the Law: A Study of the Role of Self-Identity in the Healing Journey”, Cedar Lodge Event Centre, February 15, 16 & 17 2009

POWERPOINT:Saskatchewan Regional NNADAP Symposium on Addiction – “From Stilettos to Moccasins: A Service Provider Discussion About Stigma, Identity and Healing”. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, September, 2009.

Presentations on the project have taken place in person and virtually across Canada and internationally by various members of the research team. An example of an in-person presentation was a keynote talk given by Sharon Acoose at the 2009 Women’s Wellness Conference: Steps to Empowerment, hosted by Ochapawace First Nation and Peter Ballantyne First Nation in Saskatchewan; Anita Narvie, PaulineYoung, Elder Joyce Paul, Sharon Acoose and Colleen Anne Dell  presented the official release of the video “From Stilettos to Moccasins” at the 2009 Issues of Substance Conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sheeri Pooyak and Serena Ehrmantraut held two workshops at the Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan annual conference; and Colleen Anne Dell gave a virtual public lecture for the University of Saskatchewan School of Public Health seminar series -click here to watch/start at 2:16-

Serena Ehrmantraut speaking at the Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan annual conference

CIHR team members presenting and officially releasing the video "From Stilettos to Moccasins" at the 2009 Issues of Substance Abuse Conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia. (Left to right) Elva Kiep, Sharon Acoose, Anita Narvie, Pauline Young, Colleen Anne Dell and Elder Joyce Paul