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.
Keep reading to find out what they have to say about their experience…
What was your top highlight from the conference?
"One of the most impactful moments for me came from the conversation between Myrna McCallum and Resmaa Menakem where they deepened my understanding of how deeply interconnected systemic issues are—ranging from the racist and unjust colonial structures that persist in Canada to the trauma inflicted on racialized communities. I gained a clearer perspective on how these traumas contribute to health disparities, including increased psychological distress and even reduced life expectancy among marginalized populations due to the lasting effects of generational trauma. His words left a lasting impact on me, especially his assertion that “kinship care is the way to liberation.”
"The final panel discussion was not only enlightening but it will forever stay in my heart. The true vulnerability and trust the speakers had with the audience was raw, honest and powerful and has truly impacted me. Vanessa Peckford healed my heart a bit, if at the very least she game me hope. Robert Wright is an incredible human. Very engaging and I learned a lot. Amanda Morgan's transformation through the conference was beautiful. She began shy and nervous and in her final panel on Tuesday she was a powerful, energized, fearless young woman. It was a highlight. The location was incredible."
“My favourite speakers were Dr. Bruce, Amanda Morgan, Charmaine Parenteau, and Jordan Assaraf. They provided information that I could use in my practice. Dr Bruce is doing amazing work educating Judges, so change can come from within the system. Jordan explained how a Judge used a trauma informed approach. So this is possible. Amanda described a story of those in the highest positions of authority are abusive. This brings a reality check to being a lawyer and not having blinder on to "respecting" Judges. Charmaine offered humour and vulnerability.”
“So many great sessions - The BC Law Institute Guide to trauma informed legal writing is the best of the many good resources we were introduced to. My favorite session was Charmaine and Jen's session on Moral Injury - so powerful - and unexpectedly enjoyable.”
“I found Myrna's speech during the dinner, as well as the morning panel on the third day, to be incredibly touching. It was inspiring for me to see that kind of sincere desire to improve, to help others.”
What was your overall takeaway?
“This was my 2nd year attending the JAT conference, last year left a huge mark on my heart. This year I came to the conference burnt out from work and really contemplating if I should continue working in the field of law. This conference is life changing!!!! To be able to be part of the amazing workshops, to be present to hear the raw stories that the speakers shared. I left the conference emotionally raw, but so inspired on my calling to do this work. I hope that Myrna decides to do this conference again next year, Myrna you are changing lives with this conference. The work you are doing is so amazing. THANK YOU!!!!”
“Each speaker had such valuable and unique experience to share. What a unique opportunity to learn from such passionate experts. The speakers were there to share their life experiences and be vulnerable but also shared their curiosity and willingness to go deep and continue to learn from this experience. It's been a few weeks and I am still processing and reflecting on all that I learned.”
“I am still at an early stage in my career, and it's easy to feel discouraged or disillusioned with some of the things going on in the world right now. But I can say that this event was honestly a "faith in humanity reignited" moment for me - not in the sense that I'd ever given up (I wouldn't be working in this field if I had), but it really, really made me feel inspired and happy to see so many older and capable professionals working for the betterment of others. It's really shed a light on the more "human" aspects of this line of work, and I really appreciate being given the opportunity to attend. Thank you.”
“Wonderful event! most interesting, and relevant conference i have been to in years; it is the future, of how we practice.”
“Thank you to the organizers! I can only imagine the amount of work and energy that you poured into this event. It really was eye-opening for me and inspired me to keep learning about trauma and its effects on our society. I also wanted to mention how much I enjoyed Myrna interviewing Resmaa and panel speakers. She asks the right questions and allows her guests to express themselves freely and uninterrupted.”