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Ontario Multifaith Council on Spiritual
And Religious Care presents…
2011 EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE
DiverseVoices: Building Bridges
Monday and Tuesday, September 26 – 27, 2011
Salvation Army Conference Centre, Jackson’s Point, Ontario
This conference will provide opportunities for education, networking, support and fellowship. It is open to chaplains and others with responsibility for the provision of spiritual care. Faith group representatives, volunteers and interested associates such as administrators, activity coordinators, nurses and social workers are most heartily welcome.
Conference Objectives
The participants will be able to:
1. Explorethe diversity of religious experiences among Ontario’s Aboriginal Peoples and other faith groups.
2. Assess and apply knowledge and skills in current practice.
3. Pursue professional growth, and build stronger ties with other partners.
Highlights of the Conference
We will be featuring 3 keynote speakers:
~ Ontario Regional Grand Chief Angus Toulouse, Chiefs of Ontario
~ Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Nexen Chair in Aboriginal Leadership, Chippewa of GeorginaIsland First Nation
~ Commissioner Marie Wilson of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
~ There will be 12 choices for workshops, all with a relationship to the conference theme. Workshops are designed to be interactive; will be for 75 minutes on a practice, a theory, or an experience.
DiverseVoices: Building Bridges
OMC Educational Conference 2011
Conference Agenda at a Glance
Sunday, September 25 / Activity7:00 – 9:00 p.m. / Registration and Room Check-in
7:30 – 9:30 p.m. / Regional Multifaith Committee Chairs meeting
7:00 – 10:00 p.m. / Meet and Greet and Refreshments
Monday, September 26 / Activity
8:00 a.m. / Breakfast for Sunday evening guests
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. / Registration and Room Check-in
10:00 – 10:30 a.m. / Opening of the Circle with Georgian Island Group, OMC President and reps from First Nations, Inuit and Métis
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. / Keynote Address –Regional Chief Angus Toulouse
12:00 p.m. / Lunch
1:00 – 2:15 p.m. / 3 Concurrent Workshops – Session 1
2:15 p.m. / Refreshment Break
2:45 – 4:00 p.m. / 3 Concurrent Workshops – Session 2
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. / Free Time - enjoy beautiful Jackson’s Point
5:00 p.m. / Dinner
6:30 – 8:00 p.m. / Evening Program – Commissioner Marie Wilson
8:00 – 9:00 p.m. / Regional Multifaith Committee Meetings and Correctional Chaplains Meeting
Tuesday, September 27 / Activity
7:30 a.m. / Spiritual Exercise with RMC Chair Gopi Menon - optional
8:00 a.m. / Breakfast
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. / Registration of new guests
9:00 – 10:30 a.m. / Keynote Address – Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux
10:30 a.m. / Refreshment Break
10:45 – 12:00 / 3 Concurrent Workshops – Session 3
12:00 p.m. / Lunch
1:00 – 2:15 p.m. / Concurrent Workshops – Session 4
2:15 – 2:30 p.m. / Conference Summary
2:30 – 3:00 p.m. / Closing of the Circle
CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS – detailed description on page 3
SESSION 1MON
1:00 – 2:15 / A -POSITIVE SPIRITUALITY
Presenter:Ken Gloade / B - BEING COMFORTABLE WHEN PRAYING WITH OTHERS
Presenter: Miriam Frey / C - RE: CHALLEGES OF FIRST NATIONS, INUIT AND METIS INMATES IN A CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
Presenter: Brian Lovelady
SESSION 2
MON
2:45 – 4:00 / A - ANCIENT PATTERNS IN OUR CULTURAL TOOLS RELEVANT TODAY
Presenter: William Morin / B -BECOMING THE BRIDGE
Presenter: George Yates / C - BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS: GETTING ALONG
Presenter: Daniel J. Bagley
SESSION 3
TUES
10:45 – 12:00 / A - MEETING THE SPIRITUAL NEEDS OF YOUTH IN OUR STATE CARE SYSTEMS
Presenter: Irwin Elman / B - “BRIDGE BUILDING CHAPLAIN: WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER”
Presenter: John Moran / C - RE:CHALLENGES OF NILOS IN A CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
Presenter: Kathryn E. Gorman- Lovelady
SESSION 4
TUES
1:00 – 2:15 / A - PARTNERING WITH NURSES IN PROVIDING SPIRITUAL-CULTURAL CARE IN HEALTHCARE SETTINGS
Presenter: Janet Stark / B - VICTIMS WITH DIVERSE VOICES – A MUSLIM RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PROJECT
Presenter: Michael A. Taylor / C - OBSERVATIONS FROM A WAMCHCOOSHII CHAPLAIN
Presenter: Merv Wilson
**Please note that due to unforeseen events before the conference workshop dates and times may change**
DiverseVoices: Building Bridges
OMC Educational Conference 2011
KEYNOTE SPEAKER and WORKSHOP PRESENTERS
Description of Presentations
KEYNOTE ADDRESSKEYNOTE SPEAKER: Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse
Angus Toulouse was born and raised on the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation in Northeastern Ontario. He attended AlgonquinCollege in Ottawa in Business Administration; and has level one certificate in Public Administration and Governance at RyersonUniversity. He has been employed in the federal public service, Band Administrator for Sagamok Anishnawbek, and Executive Director of the North Shore Tribal Council. He was a member of Sagamok Anishnawbek Council and later elected Chief of Sagamok Anishnawbek for six consecutive terms. He also was Chairman of the North Shore Tribal Council and Robinson Huron Grand Chief. Through a traditional leadership selection process, Mr. Toulouse was selected as Ontario Regional Chief in June 2005 to serve until June 2009. Through the same traditional leadership selection process, Mr. Toulouse was re-elected for a three-year term as Ontario Regional Chief in June 2009. Mr. Toulouse also serves as a member of the Assembly of First Nations National Executive.
MONDAY Sept. 26th 1:00 – 2:15 P.M. CONCURRENT SESSION 1
A / POSITIVE SPIRITUALITY
Presenter:Rev. Ken Gloade, B.Th., M.Div.
Description of Presentation:Positive Spirituality is a self-help programme for prison inmates to be used in correctional institutions and community based settings. The program encompasses a holistic approach that serves the inmate’s spiritual need for addiction rehabilitation, community integration, family restoration, employment participation, and faith and life skill development. Participation in the program is voluntary. A team approach is employed in order to meet the inmate’s five spiritual needs.
Chaplain Ken Gloade presents a spiritual care program which he terms as positive spirituality. The program is employed in a maximum security district jail and minimum security correctional facility located eight hours north of Toronto. The facility’s unique location has an above average native population as clients. Positive spirituality assists clients with their search for identity and spiritual practice.
As a Micmac, Rev. Gloade has helpful insights to aid the client’s with their spiritual identity questions. His spiritual journey explored five faiths. Being an institutional Chaplain for twelve years, he has assisted his clients with their spiritual growth and maturity with positive spirituality. Above all, with the use of positive spirituality, the inmates are able to control their spiritual journey at home and at provincial jail/prison or federal prison.
B / BEING COMFORTABLE WHEN PRAYING WITH OTHERS
Presenter: Miriam Frey, D.Min
Description of Presentation: Praying with and for others in a social context can be challenging when we are not sure what is expected or what we believe about prayer. This workshop will provide a language and a context for spiritual and religious caregivers who want to become more comfortable when praying with others. Through practical exercises and discussion we will explore the four spiritual types described by Corinne Ware in her book: Discover Your Spiritual Type. Participants will learn to identify their own prayer preferences and how this impacts their prayer with and for others.
Miriam Frey has been working in spiritual formation and spiritual direction for over ten years. Her interest in spiritual growth was born out of volunteering in Kenya, Africa where she watched missionaries struggle with their faith while having few resources. When she returned to North America she completed a B.A. in Psychology and M.A. in Religion and Culture at Wilfrid Laurier University (Waterloo) followed by a D.Min in Spiritual Direction at Regis College/University of Toronto. Miriam has experience facilitating workshops, leading retreats, and teaching spirituality at the university level. Serving as a spiritual director and educator, Miriam is Director of the Ontario Jubilee Program in Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Direction based at HuronCollege in London, Ontario. Miriam lives in Kitchener and serves on the Coordinating Council of Spiritual Directors International.
C / CHALLENGES OF FIRST NATIONS, INUIT AND METIS INMATES IN A CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
Presenter: Brian Lovelady, B.A., Elder, Director
Description of Presentation:I am an aboriginal Elder working with the First Nations, Inuit and Métis inmate population at Central North Correctional Centre. There are a number of challenges in this endeavour:
- reconciling those inmates who have been disenfranchised from their culture with a traditional spiritual base;
- assisting those wishing to return to ancestral reserves and communities by making contact with Elders and community leaders;
- teaching about the broad diversity within the first nations, and between First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples;
- sharing teachings which help support healing from addictions;
- supporting positive family dynamics – what it takes to be a kind man AND a true warrior;
- addressing historical issues and relating them to the despair and discontinuity in our communities;
- supporting those individuals who wish to practice both non-aboriginal and aboriginal traditions;
- discussing what is it like offering the MCSCS core programs “Understanding the Journey”, The Eastern Door” and “Turning Full Circle”;
- teaching and performing ceremonies – pipe, naming, smudge, prayers, sweatlodge, etc.
Brian and Kathryn run Moonstar Lodge, which is a teaching centre for Aboriginal spirituality, arts and culture. They are Therapeutic Touch and shamanic practitioners, as well as being Reiki masters. They have raised and rescued llamas and alpacas, horses, dogs, chickens, a donkey and cats. Presently, Brian assists aboriginal inmates at Central North Correctional Centre in his position as Elder and Native Inmate Liaison Officer.
MONDAY Sept. 26th 2:45 – 4:00 CONCURRENT SESSION 2
A / ANCIENT PATTERNS IN OUR CULTURAL TOOLS RELEVANT TODAY
Presenter: William Morin, B.F.A., B.A, B. Ed, M.A.
Description of Presentation: A very interactive presentationwhich walks participants through activities that draws fromknown patterns in modern language, in Nature, in our many traditions, daily life, and in our many school subjects ie: Math. Then the participants will be presented some key elements and patterns in Ojibway language.
The participants are then introduced to some Old World math ofthePhi / Golden Section and shown how this relates to patterns in Nature. Visuals / slides will show some of these examples.
Then participants engage ina "Story-weaving." While standing ina circle participants form a hoop. As they each share/ add to astoryIweave a pattern with abig ball of string / yarn.At the end of thestory participants will be part of alarge woven dream catcher. With itI illustrate the patterns inthe dream catcherand how they relateto the patterns in our language, to our ancient teachings and the message of the interconnection of all elements on earth.
Will Morin is an educator, artist and cultural consultant. He is of Ojibway / Scottish / French Canadian ancestry, a member of the Michipicoten First Nation. Will has lives and works in Northern Ontario.
William Morin obtained a B.F.A. from NSCAD in Halifax and a B.A. in Native Studies B. Ed (Aboriginal Teachers Certification Program) from NipissingUniversity and a Masters in Humanities from Laurentian University.
Presently Will teaches Native Studies at the University of Sudbury / Laurentian University and a supply teacher for the Sudbury Catholic District School Board teaching Native Language.
Will is an accomplished visual artist exhibiting nationally. Will has toured nationally and internationally conducting cultural workshops and traditional storytelling and mask making.
B / BECOMING THE BRIDGE
Presenter:George Yates, B.A. M.Div.
Description of Presentation: Spiritual or religious events for dementia unitsor “Wandering in the Dementia Unit”. Looking at how dementia or Alzheimers requires us to rethink our approaches to these people. Recognizing the person who is rather than seeing the deficits of dementia. Entering into the world of the persons with dementia.
George Yates is the Pastoral Care Coordinator, Grace Villa Long Term Care Home, Hamilton. He has been in this position for over 23 years. As well as spending time with our residents, he also spends time listening to staff and volunteers who often need encouragement and support. His responsibilities are mainly to make certain the Pastoral care for all in the home is provided through volunteer visitors and through contact with the pastoral care teams in various denominations. He provides specific programs for spiritual care, to regularly recognize the events of the Christian calendar. George also coordinates a woodworking program for the residents. He has begun a training program for the residents as well. George did his training at AcadiaDivinityCollege, Wolfville, Nova Scotia.
C / BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS: GETTING ALONG
Presenter: Rev. Daniel J. Bagley, B.A., M.Div.
Description of Presentation: The goal of this workshop is to help participants to build working / trusting relationships in the workplace. The key to motivate people starts with individuals believing in themselves and their own sense of self worth. Each person brings their own uniqueness and gifts to the table. ‘Team work’ is working together as a unit, staying focused on the goal at hand, complimenting each others efforts and together putting good works and idea’s into action. The goal of this workshop is to ‘inspire’ individuals to a deeper appreciation of themselves and others, to embrace a ‘positive attitude’ towards work and the great gift that we all share called ‘life’. Dan feels that; “Hope truly does spring eternal, when a person takes the time to be fully alive and present in moments shared”!
Daniel J. Bagley is the Chaplain at the North Bay Jail. Described by many people who have attended his motivational presentations as a ‘Doctor of Joy” and “Irish Charm”, his message is electrifying and inspirational, yet it is simple and clear and consistent. It is a message of HOPE; “hope is the anticipation of the realization of what is possible”.
Graduating from St. Michael’s CollegeSchool in 1974, Daniel J. Bagley worked for Mid-Canada CFCL Television in TimminsOntario. By accident or fate, Dan became a ‘ringer’ for the “World Famous ‘Flying Fathers’ Charity Hockey Team”, which over the years has raised millions of dollars for a variety of charities throughout North America. Inspired by his hockey playing priest friends, Bagley entered St. Peter’s Seminary in LondonOntario in 1978, graduating in 1984 from the University of Western Ontario, receiving a BA in both Religious Studies / Philosophy, and a Master Degree in Divinity. Leaving the priesthood in 1990 because he fell in love, Dan was married and has enjoyed life experiences not only as a Chaplain, Pastor, Teacher, but also as a Community Developer / Counsellor / Television Host / Executive Director / Administrator / Inventor / Motivational Speaker / Entrepreneur and Author.
MONDAY EVENING PROGRAM
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Marie Wilson
Commissioner, Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
Marie Wilson is a fluently bilingual, university educated professional who has lived and worked in cross-cultural environments for almost forty years, both internationally, and in several parts of Canada, including the North. Throughout that time, Ms Wilson has dealt effectively with Aboriginal, church and political organizations at the operational, executive and political levels.For 25 years she worked for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in radio and television as regional and national reporter, television program host, and Regional Director for northern Quebec and the northern Territories. As an independent contractor, Ms Wilson has developed and led complex, national profile, community development initiatives. Before becoming a Commissioner, she served as a senior manager (Vice President of Operations) in a public crown corporation, the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Ms Wilson holds a Bachelors degree with Honours in French Language and Literature and a Masters degree in Journalism from the University of Western Ontario.She is a recipient of the 1999 “Northerner of the Year” award from the prominent northern/national newsmagazine “Up Here”, and a “Lifetime Achievement” CBC North award from a jury of CBC staff and colleagues in 1999, in addition to various awards for documentary and writing excellence.
TUESDAY Sept. 27th KEYNOTE ADDRESS
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: CYNTHIA WESLEY-ESQUIMAUX, PH.D.
Aboriginal Spirituality: Historic and Contemporary Visions
Cynthia will speak to why acknowledgement and recognition of Aboriginal spiritual practices is essential for reconciliation in Canada. The sustaining factor for Indigenous populations worldwide is the strength and endurance of their belief systems. We have not forgotten, and it is the power and inclusiveness of those beliefs that have made it possible for Aboriginal cultures to sustain themselves beyond colonial and Euro-centric impositions. Aboriginal peoples built the bridge at contact, through peace and friendship treaties. They welcomed newcomers to this land, and helped them survive. The question remaining is how we will meet in the middle today and celebrate not only our differences, but our ability to work together into a mutually supportive future.
Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux is an Advisory Member of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, inaugural holder of the Nexen Chair in Aboriginal Leadership at the Banff Centre in Alberta, a member of the Lake Simcoe Science Advisory Committee, a Lady of the Lake, and an active and engaging media representative. She is interested in environmental and humanitarian causes and is actively engaged in a variety of initiatives across Canada. Her research and academic writing is directed towards understanding Historic and Intergenerational Trauma, primarily within the Aboriginal community. Cynthia is a member and resident of the Chippewa of Georgina Island First Nation in Lake Simcoe, and has dedicated her life to building bridges of understanding between people. Cynthia sees endless merit in bringing people from diverse cultures, ages, and backgrounds together to engage in practical dialogue, and is deeply committed to public education and active youth engagement. She co-founded and helps run a youth project out of the University of Toronto Centre for Aboriginal Initiatives.