Equity and Indigenous Support Statement

I recognize that the institutions of Social Work and Therapy have a long history of causing colonial and systemic harm. Social Work’s role in Indian Residential Schools and the 60’s Scoop was integral in upholding and actively causing abuse, which created long-lasting, intergenerational impacts.

Social Work as a profession continues to exist in roles which uphold unequal power structures in our society, and therapy, as we now know it, has been built upon research which dehumanised many marginalised people. As I navigate my roles as a Social Worker and Therapist, I carry deep appreciation for the lives that have been harmed by these professions. I strive to create a space which honours the diversity of culture, knowledge, and community that exists. I am on a continuous learning journey to unpack my own biases inherent to my worldview, while curiously expanding my knowledge and understanding.

Land Acknowledgment

Giving Space Healing Co. is situated on the traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabe, and the Wendat, and is the treaty territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit. This land of Tkaronto (“Where the Trees Meet The Water”; “The Gathering Place”; Toronto) is now home to diverse Indigenous communities. I recognize Indigenous communities as the original and future caretakers of this land. I support Indigenous sovereignty and land defence, and recognize the knowledge held in Indigenous communities as vital to our world. I work to actively resist colonial violence towards indigenous communities by being vocal about the historic and ongoing harm that has been done to Indigenous communities on Turtle Island (Canada/North America) and globally.

If you would like to learn more about Indigenous History in Canada, you can explore this free webinar series: https://www.icscollaborative.com/about-the-series

Accountability Statement

As Giving Space Healing Co grows, I have set goals to provide low-cost services to equity deserving communities, as well as financially support equity-based initiatives. Giving Space Healing Co, the brand and website, have been created in collaboration with BIPOC Queer and Trans Individuals.

Branding: AQ Hui Linked In

Website: Sandra Mannila Linked In


  • The Politics of Trauma by Staci K. Haines

    Anti-Racist Psychotherapy: Confronting Racism and Healing Racial Trauma by David Archer

    Decolonizing Trauma Work: Indigenous Stories and Strategies

  • Centring Black Youth Wellbeing: A Certificate on Combating Anti Black Racism by YouthREX

    Transformative Justice Principles and Practices by Rania El Muggamar

    Deconstructing Resilience, Reconceptualizing Resistance in Clinical Practice by Dr. Roberta Timothy and Mercedes Umana Garcia

    Indigenous Cultural Safety

    Two Spirit and Indigiqueer cultural safety: Considerations for relational practice and policy by Dr. James Makokis and Dr. Karina Walters

    Equity and Inclusion Training by Kike Ojo

    Two Spirit Safety Training by Native Child and Family Services

    Working with African Canadian Youth by Nene Kwasi Kafele

    Indigenous Approaches to Mental Health Care by Elder Cynthia by the Society for Integrating of Traditional Healing in Counseling, Psychology, Psychotherapy and Psychiatry

    Indigenous Cultural Competency Training by Native Canadian Centre of Toronto

    Sexual Violence in Indigenous Communities by Native Women’s Resource Centre