On September 20 and 21, EVA BC returned to an in-person Annual Training Forum with a theme of Working Together for Wellness: Improving anti-violence and healthcare supports. More than 260 anti-violence workers and others from related fields from across the province met face-to-face to network and learn together.
The training forum was opened with a welcome from Musqueam Nation Knowledge Keeper Debra Sparrow who also returned to close the event. Her captivating words set the tone for our two days of collaboration and a vision for working together towards individual and community wellness.
The two days were attended by participants excited to be back in person for educational workshops, wellness sessions, and larger plenary gatherings. Highlights of the plenary sessions included an exciting and informative keynote presentation from Dr. Danièle Behn Smith, BC’s Deputy Provincial Health Officer – Indigenous Health, Working together for wellness: unlearning and undoing white supremacy and anti-Indigenous racism to improve anti-violence and healthcare supports. This was followed by an engaging networking session for everyone to reflect with creative exercises that encouraged sharing and connection about their work and wellness.
On the second day, a panel of leaders across interconnected rural and remote communities shared stories of the challenges they face, their achievements and their hopes for improvement with Improving anti-violence and healthcare coordination for supporting survivors.
Participants shared enthusiasm for meeting in person again and for all the learning opportunities. Just some of the comments included:
“I felt refreshed and having real conversations with people face to face, was a breath of fresh air. I cannot wait for next year.”
“All of the people across the sector coming together to support each other so we can support clients is a beautiful thing to see: so many like-minded people together working towards a common goal inspiring our work and fueling passion.”
The Minister for Public Safety and Solicitor General (MPSSG), Mike Farnworth delivered a video greeting and the Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity, Kelli Paddon came in person to greet attendees in person.
The event was sponsored by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General (MPSSG) and Uber.
