Professional Boundaries and Confidentiality (On-Reserve Income Assistance Network)

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        On November 7-8, 2023, SFNFCI hosted Professional Boundaries and Confidentiality in our on-site classroom. The course was facilitated by Charlotte Ross and elder support was provided by Wally Awasis. We had 16 participants complete the training. Participants travelled from communities such as Mistawasis, Red Earth, Kahkewistahaw, Flying Dust, and Yorkton.

        Facilitator Charlotte Ross is a Cree Language Instructor and Consultant with years of experience working with Saskatchewan First Nations, Tribal Councils, non-profit corporations, and post-secondary institutions. She is currently pursuing a PHD in Indigenous Language Revitalization at the University of Victoria. Charlotte is a skilled facilitator, and her passion for presenting content in an inclusive and engaging manner is evident.

        Wallace James Awasis is from Thunderchild First Nation, in Saskatchewan. He is well known for promoting social action based on the principle of peaceful co-existence, a principle that he was taught by his elders and leaders. Wally considers himself very lucky to have met elders who introduced him to Plains-style ways: drumming and singing, Sweat Lodge, Powwow, and Sun Dance. These elders taught Wally that "culture is healing." Wally has spent the last five years as the Cultural Teacher at the Nehiyawiwin program, Wahkohtowin School. He is a strong believer that Culture is embedded in language. Wally enjoys sharing Indigenous knowledge as a path towards a brighter future for our next generations.

        Professional Boundaries and Confidentiality is a 12-hour course and was taught over a two-day period. The course was designed to engage learners to explore ethics, values, and boundaries within their personal and professional lives. Participants looked at how ethics, values, and boundaries impact the clients they work with, while they explored how to handle situations where they may come into conflict. By the end of the course learners demonstrated knowledge and skill in their ability to handle confidentiality issues and boundary conflicts.

        Learners were encouraged to draw from their own experiences and expertise, as well as share best practices with the rest of the group. Here is what a few participants had to say about Professional Boundaries and Confidentiality Training. When asked how their communities/organizations will benefit from what they learned, participants responded:

“It will benefit my program/organization by helping staff set boundaries between clients and with confidentiality between community and clients.”

“I will be able to separate professional from personal. I am able to explore confidential issues and apply strategies to deal with potential conflicts.”

“I learned how to establish boundaries that will benefit me in my person and work life.”