From Tears to Healing: Elders and Conflict Resolution in Indigenous Communities

In this week’s episode of Resolving Violence, Shaylyn White welcomes guests Karen Wood and Jonathan Ballantyne to discuss the impactful "3 Videos Project." Born out of a profound need for conflict resolution resources among families in Canadian prairie communities, this project focuses on creating training videos featuring Indigenous men as a violence prevention resource. The origin story unfolds as Karen and Jonathan narrate a compelling timeline that includes collaborative efforts with various community partners, such as PAWS and RESOLVE, as well as the invaluable participation of elders and cultural healing practitioners from Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation. Their efforts were met with support from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation to address gender-based violence on the prairies.

As the discussion progresses, Jonathan and Karen delve into the nuanced process of creating these videos, highlighting the importance of cultural relevance and community ownership. Jonathan talks fondly about his unique spaghetti scenario, a humorous yet impactful way to illustrate conflict resolution and the everyday realities of relationships. Karen adds depth by explaining how the inclusion of elders’ stories and the careful adherence to OCAP (Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession) principles ensured the project's integrity and lasting impact. It becomes evident that this project was not just about creating videos but fostering a safe and productive environment for men to explore and resolve conflicts.

As the episode concludes, Karen and Jonathan reflect on the project’s broader implications and their hopes for its future use. They emphasize the importance of simplicity and comfort in healing processes, which are mirrored in the way these videos are intended to be used - as supportive, engaging tools rather than prescriptive lectures. With an earnest appeal for understanding oneself and the value of communication in relationships, they provide valuable insights for service providers working with at-risk populations. This episode encapsulates the dedication, strategy, and heartfelt effort that went into the 3 Videos Project, shedding light on practical steps to resolve violence and promote healing within communities.


About Our Guests:
Jonathan Ballantyne is a dedicated practitioner in conflict resolution with over two decades of experience working with families and individuals, specifically within the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation. His passion for facilitating healing through culturally sensitive methods has driven numerous initiatives aimed at addressing interpersonal and intimate partner violence. Jonathan is renowned for his unique approach of incorporating everyday activities, such as cooking, to foster open dialogues and create safe spaces for men to share and grow. His expertise and commitment to this work were pivotal in the creation of the three-part training video project designed to prevent violence in Indigenous communities. His efforts have not only provided valuable resources but have also inspired transformative conversations around healthy relationships and self-awareness.

Karen Wood is a dedicated expert in the field of gender-based violence research and prevention, working as an integral part of the RESOLVE (Research and Education for Solutions to Violence and Abuse) network. Her focus lies in implementing community-driven projects aimed at addressing and mitigating violence, particularly within Indigenous communities. Through her collaborative approach, Karen has succe

To learn more about Resolve SK, head to research-groups.usask.ca/resolve/