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Canadian Red Cross presents violence prevention workshops

Training workshops about violence prevention were held at Inuksuit School. It was the first time high school youth had an opportunity to learn about healthy youth relationships from the Canadian Red Cross. Thirteen students from grades 9 to 12 attended the two day training sessions. Through presentations, games and videos, the participants were educated about safety planning.

"So that can range from getting home safe after a night out on the land, or it could be a bullying situation," explained trainer Dana Caroline.

Christy Douwsma, in the middle, along with other participants takes part in a violence prevention training session in Qikiqtarjuaq.
Photo courtesy of Jason Small

Other topics like the definition of a healthy relationship, assertive communication and personal power were also presented. At the youth's request, the trainers talked about the effects of social media like cyber bullying. According to Caroline the majority of resources were translated into Inuktitut and the presented materials were "culturally relevant."

Caroline expressed it is important to have such training workshops because "we know it's a preventive measure to be able to model healthy relationships to prevent violence."
The youth training workshops took place from Feb. 5 to 6.

Similar training workshops were held for school staff on Feb. 3 and 4.