Over 100 participants gathered in Pointe-Claire this July for the Pathways to Healing conference that focused on intergenerational trauma in Cree communities. Hosted by the Maanuuhiikuu Department of the Cree Health Board in collaboration with the Cree Women of Eeyou Istchee Association, the three-day event addressed themes such as non-violent communication, lateral kindness, self-esteem, grief and wellness planning. Speaker Dennis Windego has worked for 35 years on post-traumatic stress and complex trauma. “There are many types of trauma,” Windego told The Nation. “There’s psychological trauma, vicarious trauma, intergenerational trauma, system-induced trauma, trauma caused by accidents, caused by procedures, caused by experiences like residential school and family, violence and sexual abuse.” The focus is on “how we can recognize those symptoms and find effective paths toward healing,” he explained. “The importance is to create some awareness about how this history has shaped our lives and what we can do to take care of ourselves and to build healthier lives.” Windego combined professional insight with personal storytelling. “I talked about how trauma shows up and plays out in our lives,” he said. “People connected with that. They said it was enlightening, and it brought more understanding and compassion for others.” A member of the Anishinaabe Nation in northwestern Ontario, Windego has deep connection with First Nations communities, especially with the Cree of Waskaganish and Eastmain where he has spent much of his career. “I’ve always felt a strong connection to the Cree people,” he said. “I give the Cree credit for what I have learned from them to help in the work that I do.” The conference featured 10 speakers working to break the silence around colonization and residential schools. “We wanted to open up a little bit about it,” said Mary-Louise Snowboy, a mental health nurse from Chisasibi and an event organizer. “A little bit of dialogue on intergenerational trauma, but not in a way to open a lot of wounds, just to get people thinking about it.” Snowboy said the gathering emphasized helping youth understand the roots of these challenges. “It was about starting the conversation,” Snowboy stated. “Because if we don’t talk about the trauma, it still gets passed down. Even if you don’t say anything about it, the next generation knows there’s something there, but they can’t put a feeling of what they’re going through.” Snowboy said the conference wasn’t just about conversation, but also about self-care and cultural reconnection. “We had people who were doing cedar baths, two who were doing massage,” she said. “The other thing was thinking about safety, especially if someone got triggered, we would be able to provide a therapist.” Sponsored by Indigenous Services Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, the event’s large scale reflected a strong demand in the Cree communities for culturally grounded healing spaces, Snowboy said. Organizers are now seeking collaborators for future gatherings, possibly in Eeyou Istchee, though space and resources remain ongoing challenges. “It takes a lot of money and a lot of work,” said Snowboy. “But it’s worth it, even if it’s just a small moment that opens up a memory, that’s a step towards healing.”
Healing spaces Cree gathering opens dialogue on intergenerational trauma
