Prince George, B.C. – A three-day conference aimed at helping raise awareness surrounding the complexities of trauma has drawn to a close.

Krista Levar, Theo Fleury, and therapy dog Max – photo submitted

Healing Through Learning: Trauma-Informed Practice in Northern BC took place at the Civic Centre and brought together a wide array of speakers – from well known athletes like Theo Fleury and JR Larose to lesser knowns with a wide of array of knowledge and understanding of the topic.

“Well, you don’t want to brag yourself up but, but I will briefly,” said RCMP victim services coordinator and conference organizer Krista Levar. “I had the most amazing feedback about how much everybody enjoyed the conference and how much the speakers have been meaningful and interesting.”

She said the conference touched on a wide range of trauma related topics – from domestic violence, sexual violence, and historical violence to secondary trauma for first responders and the importance of utilizing therapy dogs to help mitigate trauma.

In terms of raising an awareness around the issue, Levar said the conference accomplished what it set out to do.

“I would say 100% we did. I mean the fact that we’re getting such good feedback and people have enjoyed all of the sessions,” she said.

“And there were tears in peoples’ eyes – that’s not necessarily a good thing but you know what? That means you’re touched. It means you are affected by this really sensitive topic and if we can better understand how people experience trauma maybe we have a better understanding of how to relate to them, how to help them heal and to help people move forward again.”