"Looking Back, Moving Forward:  The Impact of History on Mental, Spiritual and Cultural Care" is done to coincide with Black History Month's events. It was held on ,Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at the Viscount Gort Hotel.
 
The Congress contributes to communities by increasing their understanding of diversity within diversity. Specifically, workshop attendees gain a better understanding of our cultural heritage as well as contributions and issues of concern to Blacks.

The worshop started with the president welcoming everyone followed by warm greetings from the Province of Manitoba, deliverd by the Honourable Christine Melnick, Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism.

Then four Congress members: Lois Stewart-Archer,  Mavis McLaren, Lisa Hackett and  Beatrice Watson portrayed four women leaders from the past: Nanny of the Maroons, Harriett Tubman, Viola Desmond and Coretta Scott King, respectively. These significant women in Black History were the panellists in this historical reenactment panel which  was facilitated and moderated by Ingrid D. Johnson. After the panel and a short break each table discussed some questions and each reported on of the  questions.

In the afternoon, a film "Listening to Soul Pain" was followed by a panel presentation on spiritual , cultural mental care. This panel of experts included Karen Toole, Sylvonne Layne and Lois Stewart- Archer who presented on each of these areas respectively. There was a second opportunity for group discusion and reporting back.

Feedback was obtained and is being summarized. Attendees were from a variety of agencies and levels of government.
Click to view programme