heal and learn collectively

Patrick is from Maskwacis Territory where he served on Samson Cree Nation council for 9 years. Facilitating in Equine Assisted Learning, he is a Master in Complementary Therapies and Mind Management.  His focus has been on community wellness and healing for 30 years. Totamaso means to do it yourself in Newiyawin.  Kisikaw presents information that helps participants to understand how to help themselves by freeing themselves from past traumas and memories that would otherwise keep them stuck. Everything starts with a thought. How do thoughts determine a person’s behavior and choices in life? Thought is energy, energy is a language. Kisikaw will demonstrate energy and thought. He will do actual stress and trauma release in a safe and non-intrusive way. All participants will benefit by learning techniques for self management.

Orest is a person of Metis ancestry born and has spent the last 23 years working closely within the Indigenous community.  To date, he has touched the lives of thousands of Indigenous and non-Indigenous People through reconciliation work, public talks, personal development workshops and coach training for Indigenous organizations’. He is a skilled workshop facilitator and  has spent thousands of hours studying, researching and participating in workshops and seminars gathering teachings and lessons from Elders and Change-Makers on how to live authentically aligned with personal mission, vision & truth.

David has been employed full time as a Human Services Professional since 1973, starting as a Child Care Worker in Ontario, and following a move to Alberta in 1976. He have worked directly with children, youth, adults, couples and families for 43 years. He went on to program-development with Grant MacEwan University where he developed Substance Abuse Modules for the Child Care Worker Program, Distance Learning. He also instructed with the Law Enforcement and Aboriginal Police Studies Programs at Grant MacEwan University and have developed two Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention Programs in the Edmonton area. He provided Individual, Couple, Family and Group Counseling for Federally Released Inmates while on contract with the Edmonton District Parole Office. His dream is to publish an autobiography that will be entitled "INCORRIGIBLE"

David thoroughly enjoys teaching Indigenous parents how the effectively parent their children. 

Certified as a Conflict Resolution Specialist through the Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution Centre, Jason is passionate about teaching tools to handle conflict in a healthy way. As a proud member of Thunderchild First Nation, he was raised with the old ways and lives his culture as his way of life. His path led him into becoming a pro MMA fighter and he holds his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt which ultimately led him to finding his calling practicing and teaching conflict resolution tools from the context of being a nehiyaw. In his spare time, you will find Jason singing on the pow wow trail and creating works of art  as a silversmith artisan.  

Dale is a member of Samson Cree Nation but experienced early life on the Pigeon Lake Indian Reserve #138A and is currently working towards his Ph.D Candidacy in Secondary Education with a focus in Indigenous ways as formalized education. As a nehiyaw scholar, under the supervision of Dr. Dwayne Donald, he also aspires to explore working with nehiyaw kehte-ayak (Elders) in places of higher learning. Responding to the mandate of kehtey-ayak expressing concerns for “Indian Control over Indian Education”, and developing the capacity for local control as salient. 

Melody, a proud member of Treaty 6 Territory, is a dedicated individual with a passion for culinary arts. As a mother of seven boys and a kokom of eight, family holds a special place in her heart. Melody pursued her culinary aspirations by attending Portage College, where she honed her skills as a chef. Her journey led her to Lionsheart Wholeness Centre, where she has been a valuable member since the inception of the second pilot program.
Currently, Melody serves as a Nourishment Educator at Lionsheart, where she plays a crucial role in imparting knowledge about healthy eating habits. Additionally, she is an integral part of the cultural team, where she shares her heritage and traditions with others. Melody's true calling lies in working with individuals in need, providing guidance, and offering support to those seeking assistance.

When she's not working, Melody cherishes every moment spent with her family, cherishing the bonds that unite them. Her dedication to her work and her unwavering commitment to helping others make her a beacon of light in her community. Melody exemplifies the values of compassion, dedication, and service, leaving a lasting impact wherever she goes.  

Delvin, a member of Duncan’s First Nation, hails from a large blended family as the middle child with a twin and nine sisters along with six brothers. Amidst family struggles, he gleaned invaluable life lessons. At age 12, Delvin was introduced to his cultural roots when adopted by his Kokom, sparking a deep connection to his heritage. His journey led him across North America, participating in pow wows, singing, round dances, sun dances, and various ceremonies. Working at Lionsheart Wholeness Centre, Delvin has immersed himself in learning and teaching about singing and cultural worldviews. His passion lies in sharing the rich cultural tapestry of his people with those eager to embrace and understand.

Doug is blessed to live in Treaty 6 territory with his family. He has been on a long inner journey to reconnect with himself and the land that he lives on. While attending a Sundance ceremony, he was filled with a profound sense of peace and of being at home. Doug is very grateful to have connected with an elder, and to be on a healing and learning journey with him. Doug has connected with and believes in the healing power of the drum. He works with the drum, with stories and with other tools he has learned to help others reconnect with themselves.