heal and learn collectively

 Kaskitew Pesim (Black Sun)

Treaty 8 member of Little Red River Cree Nation 447.

At the age of 48, Andrew has been a Cultural Practitioner as a Knowledge Teacher for 34 years; as member of the Clan of the 7 fires and recognizes that there are many teachings given to us as human beings and this way is one of them.

In complete inclusion of all human beings at all times of all ages and genders and all races, Andrew uses the 7 teachings and 4 laws as guides to being the best human being possible in this Great Ceremony we call life.

Michelle Racicot, hailing from a Blackfoot background, was raised on a reserve in West Bank, British Columbia. Her upbringing instilled in her a deep sense of compassion, understanding, and empathy for the people she serves. A mother of four, Michelle pursued education to become a registered social worker, specializing in addiction and mental health. Throughout her career, she has worked with diverse populations, including individuals facing homelessness, those struggling with addiction, and survivors of sexual exploitation. Michelle's dedication to her work shines through as she passionately serves as the program manager at Lionsheart Wholeness Centre. At LWC, she upholds the core values by prioritizing the spirit and individuality of each person while they are finding their way into wholeness. Michelle's love and respect for the people she works with are evident in her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on their lives. 

Gifted with a vision of a different way of healing and empowering individuals, Wanda Rowe, took on the challenge of creating what is now Lionsheart Wholeness Centre. Her vision was of a place that respected the spirit of the land and allowed freedom for individuals to create their own pathways into healing. With a deep understanding of how powerful it is to step into your purpose, she wanted to create a safe space where others could also find their way not only into wellness, but also empower others stand in their gifts in the world and magnify the rippling impact of positive change for communities and families. Wanda has a strong conviction that we are all deserving of good things and a good life regardless of our past mistakes or learning experiences. She believes that humans are resilient and we are meant to grow through our trauma and transform it into a gift for the greater good. Passionate about meeting the Truth and Reconciliation act with real action and steps forward, she realized early on in the development of Lionsheart that Indigenous peoples are the true stewards of the land we all now co-exist on known as Turtle Island. She also recognized that she was simply a conduit to create a space where the facilitators could freely teach from their cultural lens helping in the resurgence of Indigenous language and ceremonies. Her role is to create that space for all who are involved with Lionsheart to learn and heal together. The process of creating a new model in a society where we have all been affected by colonization whether it is conscious or not has tested all of her own resiliency. The positive changes she witnesses daily in the learners is what keeps her motivated to learn and grow herself and to continue forward in creating the vision of a space empowering individuals to wholeness. 

 Rebecca Larson, a resilient Indigenous woman, hailing from Treaty 6 territory, has triumphed over addiction to emerge as a beacon of hope. Currently entrusted with the care of her two nieces, she has rekindled her cultural roots and found solace in her heritage. Working diligently at Lionsheart Wholeness Centre, Rebecca embodies strength, compassion, and a deep commitment to healing and community well-being as the right hand to the Executive Director.