Reflections from JAT2025

At the Justice as Trauma Conference, we gathered to explore the profound impact of trauma within our justice systems with a community dedicated to healing and transformation.
We invited attendees to share their thoughts on what they learned, how they were impacted, and what they hope to see in the future. Our attendees have shared their heartfelt responses, providing a glimpse into the power of our mission.

Click below to find out what they have to say about their experience…

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JUSTICE AS TRAUMA

Vancouver Convention Centre
March 17-19, 2025

Conference Program

  • 7:30-9:00 — Check-in, Registration & Breakfast

    9:00-9:15 — Welcome and Opening Ceremony

    9:15-10:15 — Fireside Chat on The Wounds of Justice, Resilience, Racialized Trauma & Collective Healing
    Speakers: Resmaa Menakem & Myrna McCallum

    10:15-10:30 — Break

    10:30-12:00 — Panel Sessions

    • Leaning in: Restorative Justice Models and Conflict Resolution Speakers: Carey Majid, Catherine Kelly & Maria Dussan

    • Justice Transformed: Embedding Empathy & Trauma Awareness in Law, Education and Advocacy
      Speakers: Amanda Morgan, Karen Campbell & Judy Jaunzems

    12:00-1:00 — Lunch

    1:00-1:45 — Keynote on Post-Traumatic Growth: The Gift of Our Injuries
    Speaker: Robert Wright

    1:45-2:00 — Break

    2:00-3:30 — Workshops

    • Integrating Alternative Justice Approaches When Working with Sexual Harm — Eleanor Danks

    • From Moral Injury to Community & Spiritual Growth — Charmaine Parenteau & Jen Demers

    • Racial Justice at Work: Ideas, Barriers & Strategies — Parker Johnson

    • Guided Medicine Bag Making — Vanessa Peckford

    3:40-4:00 — Closing Remarks

    →Full Day Program

  • 8:00-9:00 — Breakfast and Opening Remarks

    9:00-10:30 — The Power of Storytelling in Decolonizing Justice & Healing: Indigenous Women’s Perspectives
    Speakers: Myrna McCallum, Angela Sterritt, Charmaine Parenteau, Amanda Morgan & Jamie-Lee Tuuta

    10:30-10:45 — Break

    10:45-12:00 — Panel Sessions (Choose One)

    • Trauma-Informed Adjudication & Decision-Making
      Speakers: Carey Majid, Catherine Kelly & Maria Dussan

    • Rebuilding Trust: Trauma-Informed Foundations for Fairness & Justice
      Speakers: Dr. Nadia Ferrara & Dr. Benjamin Roebuck

    12:00-1:00 — Lunch

    1:00-1:45 — Keynote on Creating Trauma-Informed Systems Change Across Public Services
    Speaker: Dr. Caroline Bruce

    1:45-2:00 — Break

    2:00-3:30 — Workshops (Choose One)

    • Helper, Heal Thyself — Robert Wright

    • The Neurobiological Impact of Trauma: Implications for Witnesses — Dr. Caroline Bruce

    • Non-Violent Communication for Connection & Healing — Leonie Smith

    • Understanding Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy — Heather Hart

    3:40-4:00 — Closing Remarks

    6:00-8:00 — Reception & Dinner
    Keynote on Holding Space for Humanity, Humility and Healing in the Legal Profession
    Speaker: Myrna McCallum

    →Full Day Program

  • 8:00-9:00 — Breakfast & Opening Remarks

    9:00-10:30 — Mental Health, Cognitive Defects, Trauma and Human Rights: A Prison Ombuds’ Perspective
    Speaker: Dr. Ivan Zinger

    10:30-10:45 — Break

    10:45-12:00 — Panel Discussion on Responding to Justice as Trauma in the Community and Court Room
    Speakers: Charmaine Parenteau, Jennifer Demers, Jordan Assaraf, Rebecca Senior & Aonghus McCarthy

    12:00-1:00 — Lunch

    1:00-2:30 — Workshops (Choose One)

    • The Resilience Toolkit: Foundations for Trauma Healing & Liberatory Change — Nkem Ndefo

    • The Seven Grandfather Teachings as Your Guide — Asha Frost

    • Recognizing & Responding to Your Inner Protector — Heather Hart

    • Core Values & The Medicine Wheel — Ally Hrbachek

    2:30-2:45 — Break

    2:45-3:30 — Closing Keynote on Becoming Whole: The Journey of Healing Collective Trauma
    Speaker: Nkem Ndefo

    3:30-4:00 — Farewell Remarks & Group Activity

    →Full Day Program

Speakers and Facilitators

Angela Sterritt

Heather Hart

Dr. Benjamin Roebuck

Amanda Morgan

Catherine Ann Kelly

Dr. Judy Jaunzems-Fernuk

Dr. Ivan Zinger

Jamie-Lee Tuuta

Vanessa Peckford

Karen Campbell

Jordan Assaraf

Leonie Smith

Eleanor Danks

Charmaine Parenteau

Rebecca Senior

Dr. Nadia Ferrara

Moana Paulus

Aonghus McCarthy

Ally Hrbachek 

Maria Dussan

Parker Johnson

Cpl. Jennifer Demers

Asha Frost

Carey Majid

Dr. Caroline Bruce

Resmaa Menakem

Nkem Ndefo

Robert Wright

Myrna McCallum

Conference Details

March 17 - 19, 2025
Monday, March 17 ~ 8:00am - 4:00pm
Tuesday March 18 ~ 8:00am - 4:00pm & 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Wednesday, March 19 ~ 8:00am - 4:00pm

Vancouver Convention Centre
1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0C3

Hosted in the ancestral, traditional, and unceded territories of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples.

  • Buffet breakfast and lunch are included on all three days of the conference, as well as a formal dinner on Tuesday March 18th. We will try to accommodate most dietary restrictions. A menu will be sent to registered participants in advance so you may plan accordingly.

  • Vancouver is known for its public transportation system. Buses come often and sky trains and the sea bus allows for a seamless commute to the convention centre. Plan your routes here.

  • You may park at the convention centre with impark: Vancouver Convention Centre W - Lot #1940 

    Hourly: $10/hr (M-Th) or Daily: $30/day. Scan to Pay EZ Code: 11940 

    Map

  • Fairmont Waterfront

    • Rate: $289/night

    • Booking Options:

      • Online booking link has closed but call the hotel and reference Justice as Trauma Conference 2025 to secure the group rate.

    We encourage you to book early as availability within the room blocks is limited. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

  • Discounts are available for NPO'‘s and groups, please contact us for details at JAT@myrnamccallum.co