Day 1 – Welcome and Introduction
Channel: GovernmentofBC
Date: 10/05/2022

Opening Introduction – Maria LeRose

Welcome and Territory Acknowledgement - Songhees Nation Councillor Norman Garry Sam

Grounding Activity – Dr. Vanessa Lapointe

Minister’s Greetings - The Honourable Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

Minister’s Greetings - The Honourable Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Education and Child Care

Message from Goldie Hawn, MindUp

Keynote Presentation – Dr. Vanessa Lapointe

Championing Post-Pandemic Mental Health & Wellness: Human connection as the ultimate solution:
As we tentatively emerge from a time of significant uncertainty, fear, change, and loss, it has become clear that mental health is necessarily top of mind. With class back in session, a key focus has become ensuring our students are okay. While this may seem a daunting endeavour, developmental science has offered up the most powerful solution – CONNECTION. Through the conduit of relationship, hope becomes more tangible, life seems more figure-out-able, and the path forward feels more certain. Staggeringly complex in its biological, mental, emotional, and soulful impact, yet stunningly simple in concept and application, it is relational connection that will be the ultimate answer. Dr. Vanessa will shine a bright light on this truth and offer actionable ideas to energize and inspire the continued mental wellness of students, and all who champion them.