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/