Restorative Communication and Courageous Conversations

Name: Restorative Communication and Courageous Conversations
Start: 2025-09-18T09:00:00-07:00
End: 2025-09-18T16:00:00-07:00
Location: YFNED Alàäshēdal, 303 StricklandWhitehorse, Yukon

Schedule

Thu Sep 18 2025 at 09:00 am to 04:00 pm

UTC-07:00

Location

YFNED Alàäshēdal, 303 StricklandWhitehorse, Yukon | Whitehorse, YT

Thursday Sept 18, 9 am-4 pm
Tuition: $225
Register here:
https://forms.gle/VMpENYQSzzQrprcp7

Affective and effective communication is at the heart of restorative practice. In this interactive full day workshop we explore tools and frameworks that support honest, respectful, and courageous conversations—even when things are hard.
Participants will review core restorative communication tools, including restorative language, speaking personal truth, using “I” statements, and how to clean up when things go sideways. We’ll practice using restorative questions and navigating real-life scenarios to strengthen our ability to communicate with clarity and care in restorative conversations.
We’ll dig into the art of feedback—why it’s hard to give and receive, and how we can do it better. Through guided practice, we’ll explore a four-step approach to giving clear, constructive feedback and develop skills for being open and ready to receive it.
We'll also explore high and low context communication styles— including how many Indigenous cultures use a high-context style that differs from the low-context style common in settler cultures, and how understanding these differences can improve relationships and communication. Participants will reflect on their own style and that of their colleagues and people they support.
Finally, we’ll explore strategies for when people are stuck in a mindset or perspective—how to subtly support insight and create space for meaningful change.
Come ready to participate, reflect, and build your restorative communication toolbox.
Your instructor: Christine Klaassen-St Pierre is a retired educator of 30 years, who discovered the power of restorative practices learned from her Yukon Indigenous and Settler teachers and elders. She has also trained with San Quentin's Insight Prisoner Project, the International Institute of Restorative Practices (IIRP) and has Level 3-4 training on Complex and Sensitive cases from the Restorative Engagement Forum of the UK. She is currently a restorative practices facilitator and trainer with Yukon Circle of Change as well as a Circle Keeper for Hidden Water. She is also a certified mediator through Planning Change.
YAEP members may apply for local PD. We are grateful to YFNED for their partnership in sharing their space for this workshop.
If funds are a barrier or you have any questions, please contact us [email protected]