Lessons Learned Videos
The series ‘Lesson Learned Videos’ showcases the knowledge-sharing moments of researchers, educators, facilitators, and consultants involved in trauma- and violence-informed intervention research projects that took place between 2015 and 2022. Through interviews with community of practice members and project team members, a set of Lessons Learned were developed. The participants share experiences and stories that had an impact on program delivery, individuals, and organizations. Consistent with the guiding principles of trauma- and violence-informed approaches, conversations focus on cultivating cultural safety protocols, building trustworthy relationships, empowering voices, and fostering community engagement practices. This series highlights the following programs and projects- NATO’ WE HO WIN, Reaching Out With Yoga, Bounce Back League (BBL), P.E.A.C.E project, MindUP for Young Children, Building Internal Resilience Through Horses, STEP, and Inunnguiniq (Childrearing program for Inuit people).
Collectively, lessons learned from implementing trauma- and violence-informed intervention research programs include:
1. Foster Cultural Connectedness and Safety
Creating space for traditional practices such as circles and smudging promote cultural connectedness and safety.
2. Foster Engagement
Connecting with and seeking input from potential participants before, during, and after program delivery fosters engagement.
3. Empowerment is Fundamental
Empowerment occurs organically through experiences shared with other participants.
4. Trauma-Informed Learning is Integrated into Daily Life
Seeing participants integrate trauma-informed learning into other aspects of their lives beyond the programming is an indicator of success.
5. Trauma-Informed Practice Impacts Facilitators
Awareness of trauma-informed principles positively impacts how practitioners interact with participants.
6. Collaboration
Collaboration from start to finish between community organizations and researchers is integral to the success of programming and research.
7. Organizational Change
Incorporating trauma-informed principles in programming leads to significant changes to organizational practice.
8. Communities of Practice
A community of practice enhances learning, sharing, connection, and collaboration.
