2021 Keynote Speaker: Monique Gray Smith

Keynote Address: 
​Weaving Love and Joy into the Journey of Truth and Reconciliation 

​In this dynamic and inspiring keynote, Monique will share her personal journey of Truth and Reconciliation and how that journey has transformed her and her family. She will share stories and offer readings from her various books. Through our time together, we will explore the importance of story and the integral role love and joy have in the education of the hearts and minds of our young citizens.  

​Profile: Monique Gray Smith

Monique Gray Smith is a proud Mom of teenage twins and an award-winning, best-selling author. Her first published novel, Tilly: A Story of Hope and Resilience won the 2014 Canadian Burt Award for First Nation, Métis and Inuit Literature. Since then, Monique has had 6 books come out that cover a broad spectrum of ages, topics and emotions. Woven into all of Monique’s writing, speaking engagements and online courses is the teaching that Love is Medicine. Monique’s novel, Tilly and the Crazy Eights was longlisted for Canada Reads 2021. Monique is well known for her contributions to the journey of Truth and Reconciliation, including being honoured with the 2019 City of Victoria Leadership Award for Reconciliation. She is an appointed member of the Board of Directors of Royal Roads University and the Minister’s Advisory Council for Indigenous Women for the Government of BC. Monique is Cree, Lakota and Scottish and has been sober and involved in her healing journey for over 29 years. She is well known for her storytelling, spirit of generosity and focus on resilience.

Workshop Session I - 10:00-11:00

Fostering Resiliency with Indigenous Children and Families

​This workshop is an extension to the Keynote Address and will begin with an overview on how stress & trauma impact a child’s wellness and why we may see various behavioural disruptions and challenges in attachment. We will delve further into the 4 Blankets of Resiliency, with opportunity to explore how each blanket might be used to strengthen your programming and services.