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As impact assessment professionals, it is imperative to remain vigilant in not creating further harm, especially with the continued integration of artificial intelligence in our processes. Trauma-informed approaches enable us to scale our work down to a human level, ensuring that while we leverage modern tools and innovations, we retain a human fingerprint in all that we do.
Trauma is a term used to describe the psychological and emotional consequences of experiencing a distressing event. Indigenous and BIPOC peoples globally have endured centuries of colonial policies and practices with the explicit intention of genocide and assimilation. These persistent and cumulative experiences of trauma have led to intergenerational social, psychological, and economic impacts for many communities. All of which play a critical role in how communities and people engage in IA processes, express impacts, and understand mitigation measures.
This course provides practical tools to ensure Impact Assessment does no further harm to communities, stakeholders, and professionals. Participants will understand trauma and its neurobiology, types of trauma relevant to IA, and the importance of being trauma-informed in an era of technology. The course is highly interactive, incorporating multimedia, story work, and group activities, offering practical tools for everyday application.
Level: Foundational
Prerequisites: None
Language: English
Duration: 2 days (29-30 April)
Min/Max: 10-40
Price: US$480
Instructor:
Somia Sadiq, Founder, Principal Partner, Narratives (Canada)
Desirée Theriault, Partner, Senior Landscape Designer, Narratives (Canada)
Somia Sadiq
Somia Sadiq is an award-winning Impact Assessment Professional and Peacebuilder with roots in post-colonial Punjab and Kashmir. With a background in environmental sciences, natural resources management, and conflict resolution, she founded Narratives Inc., a consulting firm specializing in impact assessment and conflict transformation, and Kahanee, a non-profit focused on storytelling for peacebuilding.
Somia is dedicated to decolonizing thought and amplifying diverse knowledge systems to address conflicts in trauma-informed ways. Her work spans negotiations, strategic communications, capacity building, and trauma-informed engagement. She holds credentials as a Registered Professional Planner and Environmental Professional and is affiliated with the Canadian Network for Research on Terrorism and the International Association for Impact Assessment.
Somia serves on Canada’s Minister’s Advisory Council on Impact Assessment and has contributed to trauma-informed impact assessment training. Her chapter on the subject will be featured in the 2024 Handbook on Social Impact Assessment and Management.
Desirée Theriault
Desirée Theriault is an award-winning Red River Métis design leader and planner from Treaty #1 Territory, specializing in trauma-informed approaches in landscape architecture and planning. As Partner and Senior Landscape Designer at Narratives Inc., she leads projects that prioritize respectful dialogue and trauma management. Desirée advises Nations on unmarked graves searches at former Indian Residential Schools and integrates trauma-informed practices into land relations and planning.
She chairs the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion committee of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects and advocates for Trauma-Informed Design. Her work includes developing trauma management plans and policies, supporting communities impacted by residential school searches, and designing a memorial park for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2S folk (MMIWG2S). Desirée’s expertise extends to memorialization and addressing gender-based violence through design.
Her chapter on Trauma-Informed Planning and presentations at national conferences highlight her commitment to creating inclusive, regenerative spaces and educating others on trauma-informed practices.