At our August 5 staff meeting, SFNFCI reaffirmed its commitment to being a trauma-informed workplace through a presentation highlighting recent efforts and research. The Institute continues to embed trauma-informed principles into its culture, policies, and practices, emphasizing relationship-building, empowerment, and care. We recognize the impact of trauma, and work towards preventing re-traumatization, and promoting healing and recovery.

The presentation featured findings from a research project led by former staff member and practicum student Marcela Scott, initiated after a customized staff training in January. Through surveys and departmental focus groups, the project explored staff understanding of trauma-informed practices and identified key themes, including the need for foundational training, culturally rooted models, and emotionally supportive environments.

The framework is guided by trauma-informed pillars:

• Safety
• Trustworthiness and transparency
• Peer support and reciprocal self-help
• Collaboration and mutuality
• Voice and choice (empowerment)
• Cultural and historical relevance
• Inclusiveness and shared purpose
• Sustainable change

There exists in SFNFCI a strong desire to align organizational processes and policies with Indigenous values and trauma-informed principles, particularly emphasizing trust, transparency, and inclusive definitions of safety. Safety is viewed wholistically and encompasses mental health, job security, and restorative practices, with a need for foundational training and the development of a shared language to support emotional intelligence and healthy boundaries.