Grief Literacy in the Workplace

A presentation in recognition of Lawyer Mental Health Week 

In a culture that often avoids grief and discomfort, many of us can feel unsure how to respond when loss shows up in our lives or in the workplace. Yet change, transition, and endings are part of being human, whether through personal bereavement, organizational change, or the collective challenges we experience in the world around us. When these moments arise, it can be difficult to know how to support others, or how to navigate our own response to loss.

This workshop explores current understandings of grief and loss, and introduces practices that help individuals, leaders, and communities respond in healthier and more compassionate ways. Together, we will reflect on how we approach endings and transitions, and how we can create spaces where people feel supported rather than isolated. Drawing on the practice of grief tending, we will explore ways to build a more grief-literate culture, one that allows us to face loss with honesty, courage, and care, and to develop workplaces and communities that are better equipped to support one another through change.

Special note: This workshop will focus on sharing about grief and the experiences of grief. For some individuals, the topic may be difficult and hearing the grief stories of others may cause discomfort. We encourage all attendees to consider this when they choose to attend. Participants will not be required to share. 

PRESENTERS

Daria Soltysiak  
Christina Tulloch

About our Presenters:

Daria is a caregiver, yoga practitioner, professional communicator, and tender-hearted human living with her children and partner in Calgary, AB. In early 2024, she completed Francis Weller’s six-month grief ritual training and participated in the Human Venture Institute, a program focused on reducing waste, suffering, and injustice. Brought to grief work after the death of her mother, Janice Holloway, Daria works to hold a container for grief to be seen and moved, aiming to help fellow grievers develop a steadying practice and stay upright when the winds of grief are fierce. While the work is deeply personal, it’s sustained by her love and sense of responsibility to the living world and those within it. For Daria, grief work is not for self-improvement, but instead how we might find our way back to each other. 

In 2023, Christina Tulloch returned to her roots as a teacher and mentor by founding Hiraeth Grief. Hiraeth is dedicated to supporting individuals as they navigate grief, loss, major life transitions, and the risk of burnout. Chris' journey with grief motivates her work in creative grief tending — a practice that brings balance to a society that avoids grief. Through thoughtfully designed workshops, circles, and retreats, Christina creates spaces for practical learning, creativity, and reflection. By coming alongside fellow grievers, Chris hopes to help us all carry what is heavy together. She believes in the benefits of creating mindful connections with nature and works with others to cultivate practices that help the mind, body, and spirit find their way back to Self. 

Instagram: @hiraethgrief ; @holdfastgrieftending 

EVENT DETAILS

Participant Disclaimer
All materials related to this event are for the sole use of the registrant, and may not be copied, reproduced, uploaded, posted, publicly displayed, translated, distributed, shared, modified, made available on a network or other website, used to create derivative works or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever without the prior express written permission of the Canadian Bar Association.

Cancellations made no later than 48 hours prior to the event are eligible for a refund. Registrants who less than 48 hours prior to the event will forfeit their registration fee. Event registrations are non-transferrable.