Do No Harm with Brenda Gunn & Brenda Reynolds

As communicators trying to effect progressive change, our work often requires us to take on projects that are surrounded by deep trauma.

At Emdash we’ve had the honour of working on projects involving residential school Survivors and families impacted by gender-based violence. Through this work we’ve learned the need to communicate with respect, sensitivity, and tact.

In this episode of Ampersand, we’re joined by Brenda Reynolds (Mental Health Consultant and Former Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Health Support Liaison) and Brenda Gunn (Academic and Research Director for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation) for a deeply-needed discussion about the importance of taking a trauma-informed approach to projects such as these.

Content warning: This episode discusses residential schools and residential school Survivors, which we know are painful topics for many. For immediate emotional support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Survivors and their families are encouraged to contact the National Residential Schools Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419. Indigenous peoples can also access the Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 for toll-free, 24/7 counselling and crisis intervention.

This episode is dedicated to the Indian Residential School Survivors' Society.

If you’d like to support their work, the best way you can do so is through a donation if you’re able.

This podcast is a project of Emdash, the small agency focused on big impact helping progressives be heard.