Register NOW for the Animal Awareness for the Substance Use Workforce course.

Learn about the transformative power of therapy dogs, service animals, emotional support animals, and our own companion animals in this one-of-a-kind, 5-hour, on-line course offered by the PAWSitive Connections Lab at the University of Saskatchewan.

You will receive a continuing education digital badge/certificate from the University of Saskatchewan and pre-approved continuing education credit is available from organizations.

This course is ideal for substance use and mental health, social service, and allied professionals interested in enhancing their practice with animal aware approaches. It is also suitable for anyone interested in understanding their own relationships with animals. 

The cost is $49 and subsidies are available. Click HERE to learn more and register.

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In this episode of Resolving Violence we delve into the intriguing world of animal-assisted therapy with Dr. Colleen Dell. Dr. Dell, an animal therapy researcher and practitioner, shares her extensive experience and insights on how therapy animals contribute to mental health and addiction treatments. The conversation uncovers the specific roles and classifications of therapy animals, the meticulous care needed to ensure their well-being, and the profound impact of these animals on the individuals they assist.

In this episode:
- Discover the surprising distinctions between therapy dogs, service dogs, and emotional support animals.
- Learn about the groundbreaking work being done in correctional facilities using therapy dogs.
- Find out how to ethically incorporate animals into therapeutic settings and ensure their welfare.

About the Guest: Dr. Colleen Dell

Dr. Colleen Dell is a renowned animal therapy researcher and practitioner, specializing in mental health and addictions treatment. She holds the position of Research Chair in Sociology at the University of Saskatchewan's School of Public Health and serves as a Senior Research Associate with the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction.

As the co-director of the Positive Connections Lab, Dr. Dell has dedicated her work to exploring and strengthening the human-animal bond. She collaborates closely with both community and academic partners to investigate how interactions with animals can enhance wellness for individuals, communities, and the animals themselves.

Dr. Dell's research integrates an empowering community-based and patient-oriented participatory approach, involving various projects in correctional facilities and healthcare settings. Her groundbreaking work in animal-assisted interventions includes diverse activities such as animal-assisted treatment, education programs, and support programs. Dr. Dell's commitment to animal welfare ensures that each therapy dog is treated as a valued team member, not merely a tool.

Beyond her research, Dr. Dell is an advocate for incorporating the human-animal bond into broader wellness and recovery initiatives, creating innovative educational resources for the substance use and mental health workforce.

Her work not only advances scientific understanding but also provides practical frameworks for integrating therapy animals into therapeutic settings, further underlining the profound positive impacts these bonds can have on human health and well-being.

To learn more about Resolve SK, head to research-groups.usask.ca/resolve/

In this episode, get ready to engage in a critical discussion about the Transforming Family Justice Initiative with esteemed guests Brea Lowenberger and Dr. Judy Jaunzems-Fernuk. This episode offers a deep dive into the systemic efforts and research-backed strategies designed to enhance the efficacy and empathy within family justice systems.

In this episode:

• Comprehensive Overview of the Initiative: Explore the pressing crisis in family justice and the innovative measures being implemented in Saskatchewan, such as family practice directives and early mandatory dispute resolution.
• Integrating Brain Science and Resilience: Understand the pivotal role that brain science and research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) play in developing trauma-informed, empathetic justice services.
• Action Research and Collective Impact: Gain insights into strategies for continuous improvement through action research and the collective impact framework, emphasizing the importance of shared goals and measurements.
• Navigating Systems Change: Examine the various challenges inherent in systems change, including aligning disparate organizational mandates and maintaining balance between ongoing work and new innovations.
• Practical Guidance for Service Providers: Receive essential advice on fostering self-awareness and well-being in practice for those working directly with populations at risk of experiencing or perpetrating violence.

About the Guests:

Brea Lowenberger serves as Saskatchewan's Access to Justice Coordinator and a Sessional Lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Law. She coordinates the Saskatchewan Access to Justice Network and contributes significantly to the Cross Canada Family Justice Transformation Strategy. Brie's extensive experience and unwavering dedication drive her efforts in systemic justice reform and collaborative advancements.

Dr. Judy Jaunzems-Fernuk is the Well-being Coordinator at the College of Law and a researcher and instructor at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Education. In addition to her academic roles, she practices as a mental health professional. Judy specializes in brain science, resilience research, and program evaluation, bringing these critical perspectives to her work in the justice system to promote holistic well-being.

Tune in for this substantive conversation that not only reveals the transformative potential of family justice initiatives but also underscores the human elements essential to achieving enduring and effective change.

To learn more about Resolve SK, head to research-groups.usask.ca/resolve/

Tune into Resolving Violence to explore these fascinating and critical topics, and gain a deeper understanding of the journey towards reproductive and sexual justice for Indigenous women.

For more information on the content discussed in today’s episode, please visit the following links:

Project Website: www.hollyannmckenzie.ca/Indigenous-RJ

The Native Youth Sexual Health Network https://www.nativeyouthsexualhealth.com/

The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights Report of Forced and Coerced Sterilization of Persons in Canada https://sencanada.ca/en/info-page/parl-43-2/ridr-forced-and-coerced-sterilization-of-persons-in-canada/

The full video for "Cultural Humility: People, Principles, and Practices" https://youtu.be/SaSHLbS1V4w?si=JiXR43VRsqe3v0rN

Sistersong: Women of Colour Reproductive Justice Collective https://www.sistersong.net/

Ross (2006) "Understanding Reproductive Justice" https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/rrfp/pages/33/attachments/original/1456425809/Understanding_RJ_Sistersong.pdf

Ka Ni Kanichihk: https://www.kanikanichihk.ca/

About Our Guests: 
Elder Betty McKenna is Anishinaabe, born in Opaswayuk (The Pas), Manitoba. Her family reserve is Sapotaweyak Cree Nation (Treaty No. 4). She is a respected author, speaker, and advocate for Indigenous health and education, and passionate about supporting people in their return to traditional practices and languages. Elder Betty is currently involved with many research projects and is a lecturer at First Nations University and Luther College. Elder Betty is also the Resident Elder for CAAN and the Mackenzie Art Gallery. She is an Elder with the Canadian Virtual Hospice,  RESOLVE, and Regina Public Schools. Elder Betty’s past work spans roles with the College of Physicians and Surgeons Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Police Commission, and Corrections Canada’s Elders National Advisory. Her numerous awards include the Queen’s Gold and Silver Medals, the Sovereign’s Award for Volunteers, and the Excellence in Health Award. She also serves on the Lieutenant Governor’s Prayer Breakfast Committee.

Holly McKenzie, PhD is a community-engaged researcher focused on reproductive justice and health. Holly is a white-settler who works alongside Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to drive policy, service, and community change for enhanced health and wellbeing. She is an Assistant Professor at the University of Saskatchewan's School of Public Health and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Regina. Holly's CIHR-funded graduate research explored reproductive justice with urban Indigenous women living on Treaty 1 (Winnipeg, SK), Treaty 4 (Regina, SK) and Treaty 6 (Saskatoon, SK) territories amplified their understandings of reproductive justice and their reproductive health experiences. Alongside her peer-reviewed publications, she shares her research through blogs, fact sheets, and community talks. Based on Treaty Six Territory, Holly lives in Saskatoon with her partner, two dogs, and a cat. In her free time, she enjoys dog sports, camping, and reading. More about her work is available at hollyannmckenzie.ca

To learn more about Resolve SK, head to research-groups.usask.ca/resolve/

 In this deeply insightful episode, our hosts Jorden Cummings and Arianna Gibson dive into one of the most impactful projects currently underway in Saskatchewan—the Saskatchewan Anti Violence Research Network, or SAVr. This initiative aims to build a collaborative community of agencies, organizations, and academics devoted to tackling violence and abuse through research and action.

In the episode:

- Learn about the mission and objectives of SAVr and why it's crucial for Saskatchewan.
- Discover the three phases of the SAVr project and what each phase entails.
- Uncover some of the most pressing violence-related issues in Saskatchewan through the project's preliminary results.
- Understand the barriers agencies face in conducting community-based research and how Resolve Saskatchewan aims to bridge those gaps.
- Hear about exciting future plans, including phase 2 and the creation of educational webinars for community agencies.
- Find out how agencies and organizations can get involved with Sabre and contribute to this important research network.

Why Listen?
If you're a service provider, a member of an anti-violence agency, or simply someone interested in the mechanisms of tackling violence through research, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and actionable information. So, tune in to find out how collective efforts are being mobilized to resolve violence across Saskatchewan.

Stay informed and be part of the change by listening to this compelling episode!

To learn more about Resolve SK, head to research-groups.usask.ca/resolve/

In this episode, we’re delving into groundbreaking research on PTSD among Saskatchewan police officers with Dr. Samantha Horswill, a registered doctoral psychologist and expert in trauma-informed care. Join your host, Jorden Cummings, along with special guest Shaylyn White, as we explore the unique challenges faced by federal and municipal police officers, the importance of trauma training, and the factors influencing trauma response and post-traumatic growth. Tune in to learn about the innovative prevention and treatment programs arising from this vital research, and discover actionable insights for service providers and the general public alike.


About the Guest:

Dr. Samantha Horswill is a registered doctoral psychologist specializing in trauma and PTSD. She has conducted extensive research on the mental health of Saskatchewan police officers, focusing on the differences between RCMP and municipal officers. Her work highlights the crucial need for trauma-informed practices and diversity training among service providers. Dr. Horswill's expertise has significantly informed clinical practices, particularly in understanding the unique cultural and organizational challenges faced by police officers. She is a strong advocate for empirically supported treatments for PTSD and creating safe spaces for individuals to share their trauma experiences.

Contact the Guest:

Listeners interested in reaching out to Dr. Samantha Horswill for more insights or collaboration can contact her at:
- Website: https://resiliencepsychological.com/
(mailto:[email protected])
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsamanthahorswill/
(https://linkedin.com/in/samanthahorswill)
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-horswill-66356b6a/?originalSubdomain=ca

To learn more about Resolve SK, head to research-groups.usask.ca/resolve/

 In this episode, host Arianna Gibson engages with Dr. Nicole Letourneau, a renowned professor at the University of Calgary, to discuss the groundbreaking "Attach" program aimed at revolutionizing parenting interventions to foster secure parent-child attachment and mitigate chronic stress effects.

Episode Highlights:

• Discover the Attach program's 10-week intervention designed to enhance parental reflective function, improve parent-child interactions, and promote attachment security within families.
• Learn about the significant improvements found in the initial pilot studies, including better parent-child interactions, enhanced parental reflective function, and notable trends in attachment security.
• Explore the impacts of maternal mental health issues, family violence, and parental addictions on children's development, and how the Attach program aims to support caregivers in transforming toxic stressors into tolerable experiences for children.

About the Guest:
Dr. Nicole Letourneau is a distinguished professor at the University of Calgary with multiple publications to her name. Her extensive experience in parent and child health research underpins her leadership in developing the Attach program, which has demonstrated success in both local and international settings, including Canada, Brazil, and Denmark. Dr. Letourneau's work is pivotal in addressing gaps in existing parenting programs and promoting early intervention and prevention strategies within healthcare systems.

How to Contact Dr. Letourneau:
For more information about Dr. Nicole Letourneau and the Attach program, you can reach her via email at [email protected]
Additionally, visit attach.teachable.com for program details, testimonials, and links to research findings.

To learn more about Resolve SK, head to research-groups.usask.ca/resolve/

In this profound and insightful episode, hosts Arianna Gibson and Jorden Cummings dive into the often overlooked experiences of parents whose children have faced trauma. Jorden shares her research on the barriers parents encounter while seeking and receiving services for themselves and their traumatized children. This discussion sheds light on the critical role parents play in their child's recovery and the systemic challenges that impede access to necessary support.

Episode Highlights:

• Unveiling Parental Challenges: Jorden discusses the considerable gaps in research regarding how parents cope with their child’s trauma and the impact on their parenting behaviors.
• Identified Barriers: The episode highlights findings on practical and psychological barriers parents face while seeking services, including time constraints, financial limits, and inappropriate service structures.
• Recommendations for Support: The hosts provide vital recommendations for service providers and parents, emphasizing flexible service formats, ethical considerations in dual relationships, and the importance of systemic change to enhance accessibility to mental health services.

To learn more about Resolve SK, head to research-groups.usask.ca/resolve/

In this episode of Resolving Violence, hosts Jorden Cummings and Arianna Gibson dive deep into the transformative program developed by Resolve Saskatchewan aimed at training mental health professionals to work effectively and sensitively with indigenous clients. Listen in as they explore the importance of self-reflection, proactive improvement in psychology, and the unique aspects of the training program that make it a pivotal resource for students and professionals alike.

Episode Highlights:
- Training Diversity and Representation: The program offers a mix of in-person and online learning, representing multiple indigenous cultures, and incorporates applied competency-based components providing practical practice and feedback.
- Impactful Personal and Professional Growth: Jorden and Arianna discuss how the training has significantly influenced their identities and clinical practices, fostering a safe and respectful therapeutic environment for indigenous clients.
- Upcoming Opportunities: Learn about the professional development certificate in indigenous intercultural skills, the comprehensive curriculum, and how you can register for the October 2024 course.

Tune in to understand how this groundbreaking program can be a vital addition to your clinical training and advance your ability to foster meaningful change and reconciliation in mental health practice.

To learn more about Resolve SK, head to research-groups.usask.ca/resolve/

Welcome back to "Resolving Violence," the podcast dedicated to uncovering and understanding violence and abuse within Canadian prairie communities. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Kenda Nixon, Director of Resolve Manitoba and a professor at the University of Manitoba, who brings 25 years of dedicated experience to the table.

Dr. Nixon dives deep into Resolve Manitoba’s mission: conducting action-oriented research on gender-based violence, family violence, and violence against women. The organization aims to educate and develop strategies to reduce such violence by engaging a diverse range of stakeholders, including community practitioners, policymakers, and survivors.

Despite challenges such as resource limitations and shifting government priorities, Resolve Manitoba stands out for its robust partnerships with community organizations and its strong capacity for Indigenous-based research. Their commitment to maintaining a sustainable infrastructure ensures continued effectiveness and impactful leadership transitions.

Dr. Nixon emphasizes the importance of ongoing support and advanced training for service providers, urging decision-makers to grasp the complexities of gender-based violence. Increased support for community organizations to demonstrate effectiveness and build research capacity is crucial.

About Our Guest: 

​​Dr. Kendra Nixon is a professor in the faculty of social work at the University of Manitoba. Her research interests include gender-based violence and has primarily focused on policies aimed at reducing violence as well as institutional responses to intimate partner violence, including the child welfare and criminal justice systems.

Her teaching interests include social welfare policy, policy analysis, and qualitative research. As previously mentioned, doctor Nixon is the director of Resolve and is based out of Resolve Manitoba at the University of Manitoba, as well as the current share of the Alliance of Canadian Research Centres of Gender-Based Violence.

To learn more about Resolve SK, head to research-groups.usask.ca/resolve/

Welcome back to "Resolving Violence," the podcast dedicated to uncovering and understanding violence and abuse within Canadian prairie communities. In this episode, we are joined once again by Jennifer Hegel, who provides an in-depth look into her research on adolescent dating violence (ADV) as shared through personal YouTube narratives. Jen, armed with over 10 years of experience supporting municipal and federal law enforcement, shifts her focus to understanding why adolescents remain in abusive relationships. By conducting a thematic analysis of YouTube "storytime" videos, she shines a light on ADV experiences from the voices of female survivors who are now adults.

Throughout the episode, Jennifer discusses her method of selecting and analyzing YouTube videos, preferring this platform for its personal and detailed accounts over other social media sites like Twitter and Reddit. Her keen insights reveal how peer influences and familial relationships play significant roles in the maintenance of abusive adolescent relationships. Particularly concerning is the lack of impactful bystander intervention and the failure of friends and family members to recognize and address the abuse effectively, which often perpetuates the cycle of violence.

Jennifer and Shaylyn delve into the broader implications of her findings, emphasizing the need for better education on the nuanced signs of intimate partner violence. They advocate for increased awareness and support systems within schools and communities to teach young people about healthy boundaries and coercive control. Jennifer also touches on the importance of self-care for researchers in emotionally taxing fields and offers advice on creating safe environments for adolescents. Tune in to this vital discussion and explore the detailed research that could inspire meaningful change in the lives of those affected by dating violence.

About Our Guest: 

Jennifer Hegel is a distinguished researcher with a BA honors in psychology and a minor in crime, law, and justice studies from the University of Saskatchewan, earned in 2020. With over a decade of experience supporting municipal and federal law enforcement, Jennifer has an extensive background that informs her research focus on intimate partner violence and adolescent dating violence, particularly among Indigenous populations. Her recent work, which delves into first-person accounts of dating violence shared on YouTube, provides valuable insights into the maintenance of abusive adolescent relationships. Jennifer’s commitment to understanding and addressing interpersonal violence continues to be a driving force in her academic and professional endeavors.

To learn more about Resolve SK, head to research-groups.usask.ca/resolve/