In Person Training Description:

This interactive workshop strengthens staff capacity to use trauma-informed communication as a foundation for de-escalation, boundary setting, and safety. Participants will explore how trauma shapes tone, body language, trust, and emotional responses, and learn communication techniques that promote calm, clarity, and connection. Through guided practice, they will develop skills in attunement, active listening, validation, co-regulation, and clear, compassionate limit-setting. Realistic scenarios help participants apply these tools in moments of tension or conflict. The workshop also focuses on staff resilience by providing strategies for self-regulation and maintaining healthy interpersonal boundaries through effective communication. By the end, staff will feel more confident navigating challenging conversations, preventing escalation, and building stronger rapport with shelter guests—supporting a consistent, trauma-informed communication culture across the team.

Instructor: Cyril Morris (wəqwaqʷələq)

Instructor Bio: 

Born into the x̌əx̌ə teŋəxʷ (sacred lands) of Leǩʷəŋən Territory — the homelands of the Songhees Nation and Esquimalt Nation on what many now know as Victoria, B.C. — I spent my earliest years rooted in the snepənəq (teachings) of my grandmothers, my mother, and the stories of our people. My name, wəqʷaqʷələq, carries the weight (eyʔ steɫŋəxʷ - good medicine) of my lineage as my mother was born and raised on our lands, known as tl'čəs (the original Songhees Islands) and reminds me every day of my cultural responsibility to walk in balance.

Growing up in a place of water, cedar, and coastal winds shaped my connection to land and community. I found joy in family gatherings, early mornings on the water, and the laughter of relatives. Through those formative years, I developed a deep respect for the responsibilities that come with being Indigenous in this time: navigating the legacy of residential schools, colonial policies, and the ongoing work of cultural resurgence.

My journey has taken many turns — from frontline roles in policing and social work, to restorative justice circles, outreach in homeless encampments, and most recently, guiding visitors through our homelands. As a Reconciliatory Guide with Songhees Tours, I share canoe and cultural walking tours that bring visitors into the heart of the Leǩʷəŋən story. Our “Seven Signs of the Leǩʷəŋən” tour allows me to honour my ancestors and bridge learning, cultural truth-telling, and reconciliation through respectful tourism.

My time working in outreach, especially in encampments, taught me some of my most important lessons. Sitting with people who are often unseen—listening, supporting, showing up—reminded me that healing doesn’t always come through big moments. Sometimes it’s the quiet presence, the respectful conversation, the acknowledgment of someone’s dignity. Those moments brought the snepənəq (teachings) of my grandmothers and mother to life in real, everyday ways.

In my personal time, I find grounding in movement and learning: working out, watching movies, spending time with family, and continually growing as an Indigenous person. My long-term vision is to create pathways for our youth and support our people to walk with purpose, confidence, and cultural pride.

At Indigenous Community for Leadership & Development (ICLD) , I am able to bring all of these teachings together in a good way. The work allows me to braid my experiences from policing, outreach, restorative justice, Indigenous tourism, social work, and cultural teaching into something meaningful for our people. Here, I am supported in carrying my message forward — walking alongside a team that believes in healing, empowerment, and cultural resurgence. Together, we work in service to community, lifting up others with the same compassion, strength, and snepəŋəq that were gifted to me by my grandmothers, my mother, and the land that raised me.

Location Information: 

#150 – 900 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC

Entrance to 900 Howe Street: The front door is located on Smithe Street between the alleyway and Waves Coffee. There are four steps up to the front door with railing support. For ramp access, enter at the corner of Smithe and Howe and head left (East) toward the front door. The door can be automatically opened using the button on the left of the doorway.

Washrooms: Both washrooms are gender neutral. One has two stalls; the other is an accessible single bathroom with automatic entry and exit.

Parking: 

900 HOWE STREET - Lot #9008
This underground parkade is located on Howe Street, off the alley, between Smithe and Nelson Street; across from the Provincial Court.
Entrance/Exit:
off alley between Smithe and Nelson

OR 

980 HOWE ST - Lot #9167
This new underground parkade featuring 217 stalls under brand new office tower at 980 Howe Street is clean, bright, security patrolled, with large - regular and small car stalls - motorbike parking - EV stations plus handicap parking.
Entrance/Exit:
off the alley at the rear of the building

Additional Information:

Please confirm any allergies, accessibility, and/or additional support needs during the registration process. If you need any assistance or additional support, please email info@hsa-bc.ca.