Responding to Indigenous Crisis and De-escalation

This interactive course explains what crisis is, how trauma and strong emotions show up, and why historical and ongoing colonization contributes to higher levels of distress in Indigenous communities. Participants learn how experiences such as residential schools, child welfare involvement, racism, and loss of land and culture continue to affect trust, safety, and interactions with services today. 

The training highlights Indigenous ways of supporting people in crisis, including cultural teachings, ceremony, language, music, drumming, and the use of Sacred Medicines. The Seven Grandfather Teachings guide how to respond with humility, respect, honesty, bravery, wisdom, truth, and love. 

Participants also learn simple, effective de‑escalation techniques through an Indigenous lens—such as staying calm, listening without judgment, giving choices, respecting personal space, and focusing on safety rather than control. The training emphasizes that anger and agitation are often signs of distress, not intent, and that building trust and connection is key.

Learning Outcomes

1. Recognize how colonial history shapes Indigenous experiences of crisis
2. Use culturally respectful approaches to support Indigenous people in distress
3. Apply trauma‑informed de‑escalation skills that promote calm and safety
4. Reflect on your role and commit to culturally safe crisis response practices
5. Develop an understanding of crisis with an Indigenous lens
6. Learn how to bridge western crisis intervention methods with Indigenous knowledge to promote healing, resilience, and de-escalation without relying on confrontation or force
7. Discuss how to apply a culturally safe, trauma-informed response