BEMIDJI, Minn. – The social work program at Bemidji State University will host “Historical Trauma: Understanding the Past, Empowering the Future” on Friday, Oct. 24. The conference, which is available for continuing education credit, will focus on Native American historical trauma and its role in interpersonal relationships and contemporary social issues, and culturally-based intervention approaches to that trauma.

The conference will begin at 8:30 a.m. and last until 3:30 p.m. in the Beaux Arts Ballroom of Bemidji State’s Hobson Memorial Union. Doors to the ballroom will open for registration and a continental breakfast at 7:30 a.m.

The conference’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Maria Yellow Horse Brave Heart, an internationally-reknowned speaker on the subject of historical trauma and unresolved grief and loss amongst Native Americans. She is the founder of the Takini Network, a non-profit organization devoted to community healing from intergenerational group trauma, utilizing culturally-based intervention approaches.

The conference will also feature breakout sessions on such topics as the impact of cultural trauma on young people, the role of it plays on group interactions and its relationship to problems of substance abuse.

The conference is sponsored by the Drug Free Coalition of North Central Minnesota, the Bemidji State University social work program, the Bemidji State University American Indian Resource Center and the Minnesota Social Services Association.

Early-bird discounts are available for those registering before Wednesday, Oct. 1. Individuals can register for $55, groups of five or more from the same organization can register for $50 each and students with a valid ID can register for $25. After Oct. 1, registration will be $75 for individuals, $70 each for groups of five or more from the same organization and $40 for students who show a valid ID. The conference is available for five hours of continuing education credit.

The registration fee includes materials, a continental breakfast, lunch and cold beverages during the afternoon. Registration can be done by mail by sending a check made out to the social work program to Social Work Program; Bemidji State University; 1500 Birchmont Drive NE, #23; Bemidji, MN 56601.

For further information, please contact Cheryl Byers, or Christie Harris at (218) 755-2058.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Oct. 24 – 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Bemidji State University hosts social work conference “Historical Trauma: Understanding the Past, Empowering the Future.” Keynote speaker: Dr. Maria Yellow Horse Brave Heart, founder of the Takini Network. Location: Beaux Arts Ballroom, Bemidji State University, Bemidji, Minn. Early-bird registration discounts available through Oct. 1. Information: Cheryl Byers, cbyers@bemidjistate.edu; Christie Harris, (218) 755-2058.