Festival Transformer Trauma Ensemble
May 11–13, 2026, Humber College Lakeshore Campus
Join us for the Transforming Trauma Together Festival, taking place May 11 to 13, 2026, at the Lakeshore Campus of Humber College.
This three-day, trauma-informed conference brings together survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), advocates, artists, educators, researchers, students, and community organizations to explore healing, resilience, and social change through interdisciplinary and creative approaches.
Festival Features
The festival will feature:
- Film screenings with panel discussions
- Poetry and storytelling
- Expressive arts, music, movement, and somatic workshops
- Panels with mental health professionals and community organizations
- Survivor-led conversations across all gender identities
- Academic and student-led presentations
- Art and vendor exhibits
- Dedicated daily processing and grounding spaces supported by trained facilitators
Program Highlights
Subject to Confirmation
Day 1 – May 11, 2026
Evening film screening and panel discussion
Film: Prey
Day 2 – May 12, 2026
Poetry, music, professional panels, film discussions, movement, and evening film programming
Day 3 – May 13, 2026
Survivor panels, expressive arts and writing workshops, tapping/EFT, academic presentations, and social change/action sessions
Full Workshop Schedule & Registration
Below you will find the full workshop schedule and individual registration links. Capacity is limited for many sessions, so we encourage early registration.
Please note that some sessions run concurrently. Review the schedule carefully when registering.
Day 1 - May 11, 2026
Opening Remarks
May 11 | 6:00 PM
A formal welcome delivered by the Transforming Trauma Together event committee, recognizing the importance of provincial leadership in supporting survivors.
No Registration Required
Film Screening with Panel Discussion – Prey by Matt Gallagher
May 11, 2026, 6:15 PM – 9:00 PM
A screening of Prey, followed by a panel discussion with survivors and invited experts. The panel will explore themes raised in the film and invite meaningful community dialogue. Max 100 attendees.
Register for This Session
Day 2 - May 12, 2026
Poetry Workshop – Matthew Ray Jones, Poet Laureate
May 12, 2026, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Matthew shares original poetry reflecting on trauma, resilience, and healing. This session highlights the power of language as a pathway to voice and validation. Max 60 attendees.
Register for This Session
Expressive Somatic Tapping (EFT)
May 12, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Facilitator: Pramilda Zackhariyas
An interactive workshop introducing Emotional Freedom Techniques to support nervous system regulation. Participants will learn practical tools for grounding and emotional release.
Register for This Session
Panel – Mental Health Professionals & Organizations
May 12, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Featuring representatives from Family Services of Peel, Bikers Against Child Abuse, and Addiction Rehab Toronto. Panelists will discuss trauma-informed care, prevention, and collaborative community responses.
Register for This Session
Book/Writing Workshop
May 12, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Facilitators: Arthur, Heidi, Thom, Ramona, Cathy, Ghrian
A collaborative writing space focused on memoir, storytelling, and narrative reclamation. Participants will explore how writing can transform lived experience into advocacy and healing.
Register for This Session
Dynamic Balance Workshop – Brad Hutchinson
May 12, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Brad leads an experiential session focused on physical alignment and emotional regulation. Participants will explore balance as both physical, spiritual, and psychological practice.
Digital Storytelling – Healing from CSA
May 12, 2026, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Facilitators: Mike Allan & Stewart Thompson
An introduction to digital storytelling as a tool for survivor voice and empowerment. Participants will explore how media can foster awareness and connection.
Day 3 - May 13, 2026
Panel – All Gender Identities CSA Survivors
May 13, 2026, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Survivors of diverse gender identities share lived experiences of abuse, healing, and advocacy. This panel centres intersectionality and affirming support spaces.
Register for This Session
Expressive Arts Workshop
May 13, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
A facilitated creative space using artmaking as a tool for trauma processing. No artistic experience is required.
Register for This Session
Film with Panel – Magic & Monsters
May 13, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
A documentary screening examining abuse, secrecy, and accountability. A virtual panel discussion will follow to unpack themes and encourage dialogue.
Register for This Session
Chi Kung Workshop – Theresa Y & Jacqueline
May 13, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
A gentle movement and breath-based practice rooted in traditional Chinese healing arts. Participants will explore embodied restoration and energy balance.
Register for This Session
Movement Workshop – Dance
May 13, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
A guided dance-based movement session encouraging safe embodiment and expression. Participants are invited to reconnect with their bodies through rhythm and flow.
Register for This Session
Humber College Presentation – Victimology, Addictions & Mental Health
May 13, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Led by Humber College Faculty & Students
Workshops exploring trauma through academic and applied lenses. Topics integrate victimology, addictions, and mental health research.
Register for This Session
Social Change & Action – Heidi & Arthur
May 13, 2026, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
A closing session focused on translating healing into advocacy and collective impact. Participants will identify tangible next steps for community-based change.
Register for This Session
Processing and Reflection Space
May 12 & 13, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 3–5 On-Site Facilitators
A quiet, supported space open throughout both days for reflection and grounding. Trained facilitators will be available to support emotional processing and meditation.
Art Exhibit and Vendors Market
An Art Exhibit with Guided Viewing and a Vendors Market will be open throughout the festival.
Our Grounding Belief
This festival is grounded in the belief that healing does not happen in isolation. It happens in community, through shared stories, creativity, learning, and collective care.
More Details Coming Soon
More details regarding confirmed speakers, session schedules, accessibility, and registration will be shared in the coming months. We invite you to save the dates and join us for this meaningful gathering.