Presenter Biographies Krystine Abel Krystine, MEd, is Anishinaabe and a member of M'Chigeeng First Nation. Krystine is a researcher and evaluator in the Aboriginal Engagement and Outreach Team within the Provincial System Support Program at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Krystine has spent several years working on Indigenous health research and evaluation projects in Toronto, and across Ontario.
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Marcia Anderson
James Bolan Honours Graduate with an Addictions and Community Service Worker Diploma and also graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Economics and Computer Science at Laurentian University. Established his own mental health and addictions counselling firm, LivingPotential, 2014 delivering client-centred holistic counselling and support services in Sudbury area. Since 2010 has worked closely and integrally with partner agencies in the Greater Sudbury Area.
Crystal Bomberry Crystal is a Mohawk, Turtle Clan, from Six Nations. Crystal has been with the IDHC team as a Diabetes Wellness Worker since 2009, continuing on from a few years of prior work in diabetes prevention and health promotion with De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre. Crystal is passionate about serving our Indigenous communities and inspiring healthy change within people by encouraging them to seek balance through physical activity, wholesome foods, and peace finding practices that nourish body, mind and spirit. Having obtained her Personal Training certification prior to 2009, she regularly offers exercise education and activity programs within her diabetes awareness and prevention work. She has also obtained her East to West Yoga Teacher-350hr certification and thoroughly enjoys integrating yoga and basic yoga philosophy into her program initiatives to compliment existing SOADI tools and resources that are culturally and holistically guided.
Rachel Bomberry Rachel is an RN, and currently a Master of Public Health Candidate, class of 2018. She is an Indigenous scholar, a Research Assistant with the McMaster School of Nursing, and a Pediatric Nurse with the Victorian Order of Nurses. She is an emerging leader and scholar within Indigenous health and is grounded in researching community child health and policy development.
Samantha Boshart Samantha is both Anishinaabe and German Mennonite descent from the golden eagle clan (kinew dodem) and a member of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation (deshkaanziibi). She graduated with an Honors Bachelor of Medical Science in 2005, Doctor of Medicine in 2011 and completed her Family Medicine residency in 2013. In 2014, she became a mother to her first daughter, Waabiigiizhigokwe. In her spare time she teaches and practices Yoga, with over 500 hours of personal practice. Dr. Boshart is inspired to work with Indigenous people to encourage them to reclaim their health and wellness. She intends to improve the health of her patients through a combination of Western and Indigenous approaches. Not available at time of print.
Cherylee Bourgeois Cherylee is a Cree / Metis Registered Midwife who has worked with Seventh Generation Midwives Toronto since 200. Cherylee worked as the Midwife Co-Lead in the establishment of a Midwife-Led and Indigenous governed Birth Centre in Toronto. She is a sessional instructor in the Ryerson Midwifery Education Program and active supporter of aspiring and current Indigenous midwifery students. Currently, Cherylee Bourgeois is the acting director of Clinical and Professional Development at the Association of Ontario Midwives.
Jane Burning As a Seneca woman, Jane has knowledge of Traditional Ongwehonwe philosophies. Through training and experience, Jane has awareness of Native Family Systems and how generations of trauma have impacted individuals. Jane has the ability to disrobe shame, hurt, anger & fear from individuals so they can embrace Heart-Centered Consciousness. Jane believes it is essential to recognize one’s own emotional scars within families and communities in order to begin rebuilding self, families and Nations. As a woman who has witnessed, endured and risen above the painful truth; She now teach how to see beyond the painful truths and embrace the spiritual truth in all that is.
Maya C. Chacaby Maya (Odehamik) is Anishinaabe, Beaver Clan from Thunder Bay. Both her adoptive and biological family come from the Lake Nipigon region in Northwestern Ontario. Maya holds an M.A. in Adult Education and Community Development from the University of Toronto and is completing her PhD in Social Justice Education. In her spare time, Maya teaches linguistics (Anishinaabemowin) and Sociology at York University. She has worked with national, provincial and community advocacy bodies on issues of Indigenous health, human trafficking, trauma-informed reconciliation models, community-driven research and strategic planning. Maya has been delivering workshops across the province for over five years (reaching over 10,000 participants) within District School Boards, Health Service providers, Legal Clinics, Law Enforcement, Children’s Aid Societies, Municipal leadership, various Provincial Ministries and First Nations and Tribal Councils.
Charlotte Chan Charlotte is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator with a passion for promoting health and well-being through a balanced lifestyle. She graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Nutritional Science, Dietetics. Her interest in health and nutrition stemmed from a young age with her love for sports. While training as a competitive figure skater, Charlotte learnt the importance of having a balanced diet to meet her physical, emotional and mental needs as an athlete. She specializes in personalized nutrition counselling, translating evidence based nutritional information into practical solutions.
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Kriti Chandra Kriti (MPH, HBSc) is a Research Assistant with the Epidemiology and Evaluation Services team, in the Health Promotion, Chronic Disease, and Injury Prevention Department at Public Health Ontario. Kriti completed her Master of Public Health from Queen’s University, and her undergraduate degree in Biology and Psychology from McMaster University. Her interests include child and maternal health, knowledge translation, and working toward achieving health equity for marginalized populations.
Erin Chapelle Erin is native to the Huronia region and currently works in the area to promote the growth of a sustainable local food system that is inclusive to everyone. Much of her work focuses on urban agriculture, from seed to plate, via community gardens, education programming, and market-style sales. Erin received her Permaculture Design Certificate in Cuba and recently worked on a jungle farm in Belize for 6 months. She believes that small scale farming and proper urban planning (including agricultural efforts) can combine to feed our communities and nourish our relationships. Erin's experience working towards food security on Christian Island with Beausoleil First Nation via the Good Food Box, Healthy Kids Community Challenge, and inschool programming continues to shed light on the inherent value, tradition, and learning that is derived from indigenous food systems studies and progress.
Mackenzie Churchill Mackenzie is a Research Coordinator at the Well Living House and a student in the Midwifery Education Program at Ryerson University. She currently supports projects that focus on Indigenous midwifery and cultural safety, under the supervision of Dr. Janet Smylie. Mackenzie is a White settler who has ancestors from Hungary, Austria, and France and holds a Master of Public Health from Lakehead University and an Honours Bachelor of Science (Biology Major) from McMaster University.
Lindsey Cosh Lindsey is the Circle of Care Program Coordinator for the Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle (IDHC), formerly SOADI. She is of Annishnabe and Scottish ancestry from Killarney, Ontario. Her recent work involves collaborating with the Canadian Association of Wound Care (CAC), the Natonal Aboriginal Diabetes Association (NADA), the First Nation Technical Institute (FNTI), Health Quality Ontario (HQO), and multiple healing and wellness leaders within the Indigenous community of turtle Island.
Mary Cranmer-Byng Mary Cranmer-Byng, MSc RD, is a Registered Dietitian working with Six Nations Health Services. She is becoming a Certified Diabetes educator and works predominately in diabetes prevention in the community. She is a coinvestigator with Kelly Gordon in the current pilot study and work collaboratively with the research team and community to implement the Healthy Roots intervention.
A. Darlene Davis A. Darlene was born on Six Nations of The Grand River Territory and is wolf clan. She graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1974. She has held many nursing titles over the years, and has been doing community health research for Six Nations Health Services for the past 18.5 years. Her research involvement includes; Study of Health Assessment and Risk Evaluation in Aboriginal People March of 1999 the main paper accepted in Medical Journal “The Lancet”. She completed Accord Study, a clinical trial of United States and Canada and many other studies such as the Dream, EpiDream, Dream-On, Hope-3 Clinical Trial. Darlene currently is working with The Canadian Alliance for Healthy Hearts and Minds and The Healthy Roots Sub-Study assessing the effectiveness of Haudenosaunee Traditional foods on Cardio-Metabolic Risk Factors.
Oscar De Los Santos Oscar is a Spiritual Warrior in all aspects of life. It has been his relentless pursuit of truth through which the teachings of the Warrior's Roadway emerged. He is a South American Medicine Man as well as the youngest recognized Elder for the Six Nations People, teaching at De Dwa Da Dehs Nye>s Aboriginal Health Center for the past 14 years. Oscar has dedicated his life to this work and it is expressed in many forms: his is a noted artist, poet, musician, inventor, and entrepreneur. He has a passionate interest in learning, serving the people in the community and a relentless Love for the Creator, who he feels has given him his talents to bring healing, joy and happiness to those around him.
Russell de Souza Russell is an assistant profesor and registered dietitian at McMaster University. He brings to the team experience in designing and conducting randomized trials of dietary interventions to improve metabolic health. He was involved in designing the pilot trial and coordinating the measurements necessary to evaluate traditional health parameters.
Rebecca Doreen Rebecca (Yehonhatatye) resides in Hamilton, Ontario with her husband and four children. She has completed her bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Studies from Trent University, and has been employed as a Family Programs Manager at Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg since 2006. During that time she has had the privilege of working alongside many amazing families and the opportunity to participate on a variety of committees and project teams. Rebecca has also assisted in the development of several resources including “Zhi-gid-minaan Nda-nii-jaan-sag - Growing Together With Our Children – A Parent Workshop on Parent- Child Attachment” and “Taking Care of Our Children-A Workshop Guide on Childrearing in First Nations Families and Communities” with Best Start by Health Nexus.
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Bernice Downey Bernice is of Oji-Cree/Celtic heritage. I am also a medical anthropologist with research interests in the area of Indigenous health, health literacy & Traditional Knowledge and health systems reform for Indigenous populations. I am cross appointed to the School of Nursing & the Dept. of Psychiatry & the Indigenous health lead for the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University. Michael Doxtater Thohahoken Michael Doxtater, PhD. (Cornell), Queens National Scholar, Queen’s University. Michael is a leading expert on organizational learning and organizational development. His projects include recovering Indigenous Knowledge practices to enact the social foundations of governance, sustainable life-systems, and Indigenous languages. As a professional in dispute and conflict resolution he intervened during the Kanonstaten Reclamation Occupation (Caledonia, ON), the Red Hill Valley expressway occupation (Hamilton, ON), the Eagles Nest standoff (Brantford, ON), the Tutelo Heights forestry dispute (Brantford, ON), and Six Nations Against Pollution on-reserve. In 1990, he worked as the Oka Standoff representative for Chief Rastewenserontha of the Mohawk People. Professionally, he worked at the national level as a senior communication specialist for the Government of Canada, specifically the Department of Indian Affairs Headquarters and Ontario Region, Health Canada, the Canadian Government Expositions Centre (CGEC), the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP), the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), and as head of Studio One of the National Film Board of Canada.
Alex Drossos Alex is a physician and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry resident at McMaster University. Though he is non-Indigenous, he has been doing clinical work with Indigenous people for almost 10 years, and has had a passion for Indigenous social justice issues for many more. His other interests include School-Based Mental Health, trauma/PTSD, neurodevelopmental disorders including FASD, transitional aged youth, eating disorders, suicide prevention and health informatics.
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Alison Fisher
Susy Faria Susy Faria is currently the Manager of the Indigenous and Intergovernmental Relations Unit in the Accountability and Liaison Branch of the Population and Public Health Division in the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. She has a background in journalism, policy development and strategic planning, and is currently working on the review of the Ontario Aboriginal Diabetes Strategy. Susy and her team are also in the process of establishing relationships with various First Nation, Inuit and Métis partners throughout Ontario. She continues to work with the federal government and First Nations to develop a public health system for the north. Susy joined the province in 2004, and has spent her career in Public Health, holding a variety of policy positions that included managing the accountability of the province’s public health agency (Public Health Ontario), operational
planning for the Public Health Division, Executive Assistant to the Assistant Deputy Minister, and worked in the Emergency Management Branch after SARS.
Lori Flinders Lori Flinders is Anishinaabikwe from Couchiching First Nation who has a Master’s of Social Work and received her First Nations Health Managers certification designation. Lori has worked for Tribal Organizations for the past 20 years as an Educator, Social Worker, Trainer, and Senior Manager in both Children’s Mental health and Adult Mental Health.
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Michelle Firestone Dr. Michelle Firestone is Scientist at the Centre for Urban Health Solutions (C-UHS) at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute and Assistant Director of Well Living House, an action research centre focused on Indigenous health and well-being at St. Michael's Hospital. She is an Assistant Professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto. She has strong collaborative relationships with Indigenous community partners and studies mental health, substance use, healing and well-being in diverse populations, including Indigenous populations.
Peter Fitzgerald Peter has been with HHS since 1992. He has held positions as the Head of Pediatric General Surgery, Chief of Pediatric Surgery and the role of Medical Director for McMaster Children’s Hospital. In 2009, Dr. Fitzgerald was also appointed President of McMaster Children's Hospital (MCH). In addition to his leadership roles, Dr. Fitzgerald is a distinguished surgeon known for his innovative work and leadership in minimal access (keyhole) surgery and reconstructive chest wall surgery. He has been integral in establishing the minimal access pediatric surgery program at MCH, where he has been a surgeon for 20 years.
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Michelle Gentle
Lori Gill Lori Gill, founder and clinical director at the Attachment and Trauma Treatment Centre for Healing, is a Registered Psychotherapist, Certified Trauma Specialist (CTS), trainer , Consultant Supervisor for the National Lori Gill ATTCH Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children (TLC), and former psychology professor with 18+ years of experience working with children, youth, and adults in various settings. Her diverse experience in non-profit organizations, employee assistance programs, and in private practice have provided her a wealth of skills in the areas of trauma, attachment, mental health, compassion fatigue prevention, addictions, eating disorders, wellness and education.
Kelly Gordon Kelly has worked as a Registered Dietitian for over 14 years, focusing on community health. Kelly is Kanyen’keha (Mohawk) and a proud mother of two energetic children. A graduate from McGill University, she has strived to use her education, opportunities and knowledge to work towards building a healthier population and supporting Indigenous Peoples’. Currently Kelly works for Six Nations Health Services as a Community Dietitian; she previously worked for Toronto Public Health and Davenport Perth Community Health Centre. Her current focus is working to integrate Traditional Indigenous knowledge into her everyday practice, supporting community members on their journey towards wellness.
Carl Haley Carl Haley has worked in the community of Hamilton for 5 years starting in mental health and addictions, specifically working with chronically homeless men and woman facing issues around alcohol dependency whom were chronically disengaged from services. At this time Carl developed his ability and passion for working with clients with complex needs, his genuine desire to help allowing him to break down walls and reach clients with a strong distrust of the system. Carl was an avid learned of the historical and modern day impacts of colonization and had an interest in his own familial background, which at this time is still unavailable to him. This background, ability and desire, grouped together with a strong spiritual outlook helped create the perfect conditions Not available at time of print.
Dianne Hamilton
Cheryl Hankard Chery has over forty combined years in the field of direct health care delivery and Anishnaabek cultural based health programming. As Maamwesying's former Traditional Health Program Coordinator she has been the Lead for the Beauty from Ashes initiative since it's inception in 2012. Cheryl is an Anishnaabe-kwe whose passion is to help her community. She is the mother of three sons and grandmother of two grandsons.
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Michael Hardy
Chief Ava Hill Ava Hill, Mohawk, Wolf Clan, was elected Chief of the 56th and 57th Elected Council of the Six Nations of the Grand River. She assumed office on December 3rd, 2013 after serving three terms as a Councillor. During her tenure as a Councillor, Ava participated on a variety of Council Committees. She was also Six Nations representative on the Aboriginal Leadership Partnership for the 2015 Pan Am Games which were held in Toronto in July 2015. Ava has been active on international files attending the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues for the past few years. Ava was born on the Six Nations Reserve and attended elementary school on the reserve. She attended Hagersville High School (now Hagersville Secondary School) and Brantford Collegiate Institute.
Rick Hill A Tuscarora of the Beaver Clan, Rick has had a long career in education and museum management. He has taught at SUNY Buffalo, McMaster University, FNTI at Tyendinaga, and Mohawk College, as well as here at SNP. In the past he served as Assistant Director for Public Programs at the National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution; Museum Director of the Institute of American Indian Arts Museum, Santa Fe, NM; and Program Director of the Indian Art Centre, Indian and Northern Affairs, Ottawa. Currently, he is Senior Research Coordinator for Deyohahá:ge: – Indigenous Knowledge Centre and serves as Chairperson for the Six Nations Legacy Consortium to promote learning of Six Nations Cultural History.
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Paul Holyoke Dr. Paul Holyoke is Director of the Saint Elizabeth Research Centre which has an extensive applied research portfolio across six themes: person-centred care, older adult care, personal support, end of life care, rehabilitation in home care, and knowledge translation and exchange. Paul’s own research interests include people’s experiences with the Canadian health system; evaluation of health care policies, programs and systems; and the governance and management of health care organizations in Canada. He is and has been an investigator in a wide variety of research and evaluation projects in many areas in healthcare and knowledge exchange. He has experience in both qualitative and quantitative methods. He has a Ph.D. in Health Policy from the University of Toronto, a M.Sc.(Econ) from the London School of Economics and a law degree from the University of Toronto. Paul brings extensive experience and leadership in policy and public management to his research activities, with a strong emphasis on identifying how to apply research findings in practice and how to influence the structures within which research evidence-informed change is desired.
Patti Idenouye Patti has been the community member of the Quality Committee since November 2013. She brings knowledge of quality improvement theories and processes to the group as well as a desire to help people understand that quality is integrated into, and not an add on, to the daily processes required to provide the best care to the patients and clients of the DAHC community. She is also interested in exploring how culturally appropriate qualitative outcome measures can supplement existing quantitative measures to tell the full story of each person’s unique health journey.
Cynthia Janzen Cynthia is Manager, Stakeholder Relations at Hamilton Health Sciences, where her role includes engagement with Indigenous communities. She has held senior-level communications roles in public sector communications including at the former Chedoke-McMaster Hospitals, at Mohawk College and as a consultant to CCACs, LHINs, hospitals and academic health organizations throughout Ontario. She also has extensive private sector experience; prior to joining HHS her most recent position was VP Communications at a steel technology company.
Bradley Johnson Bradley is a member of the Oneida tribe of the Six Nations, and is on the board of De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre. Bradley is a recent graduate from the Michael G DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University. He recently completed his Family Medicine Residency Training at McMaster University. Bradley has a passion for both the health and education of First Nations/Metis people, specifically youth. Bradley has had the privilege of working in national and local organizations to advance these passions, and finds the work with De dwa da dehs nye>s to be a very fulfilling way to give back to his community.
Christa Jonathan Christa is a Mohawk, Bear clan from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. She's in the Class of 2019 at McMaster University’s Niagara Regional Campus. She completed her Masters of Art in the Department of Sociology at McMaster University, focusing on the social determinants of health for Indigenous people. She is an Indigenous mentor with the Indigenous Students Health Science office, member of the Indigenous Health Task Force, co-chair of the Indigenous Health Interest Group, Junior Local Officer of Indigenous Health, and a peer mentor with the McMaster Program. Christa is a traditional Indigenous doula and a 2017 participant of the Healthy Roots Research Study. Christa will be pursing Community Medicine, a combination of family medicine and public health.
Naana Jumah Naana received her B.A.Sc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Toronto, her D.Phil. in Medical Engineering from the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, her M.D. from Harvard University and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Toronto. She is an Assistant Professor at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and a clinician researcher at the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute. She has sat on numerous boards and committees including serving as an advisory board member for the CIHR Institute of Nutrition Metabolism and Diabetes and serving as a Governor on the University of Toronto Governing Council.
Malcolm King Malcolm, a member of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, is a health researcher at Simon Fraser University, joining the Faculty of Health Sciences in September 2012. From 2009 to 2016, he led the CIHR Institute of Aboriginal Peoples’ Health as its Scientific Director, spearheading the development of a national health research agenda aimed at improving wellness and achieving health equity for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples in Canada. Since January 2017, he is continuing to teach and research in Indigenous health, with a particular focus on wellness and engagement. Malcolm’s international Indigenous health interests include improving Indigenous health through workforce development and provision of culturally appropriate care, and developing Indigenous health indicators to monitor progress in programs aimed at achieving wellness and health equity. Dr. King was honoured with a National Aboriginal Achievement Award in 1999, and in 2016 was named a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.
Erin Kutcher Erin is a Registered Practical Nurse since 2015, a diploma graduate from Sault College, she has been working in the health care field for two in a half years specializing in Addictions and Mental Health. Prior to continuing her education, she worked in the human services field for 10 years, she has a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Sociology and a Child and youth Worker Diploma. She approaches nursing with a fresh perspective, allowing her to probe into the human side of the healthcare industry. She is passionate about teaching and presenting on topics regarding addictions and is committed to reducing Addiction Stigma in health care and removing barriers to enhance and better support the health of the people suffering with this disease.
Grace Kyoon-Achan Dr. Grace Kyoon-Achan is a researcher at the Manitoba First Nations Centre for Aboriginal Health Research at the College of Medicine, Faculty of health sciences University of Manitoba. She is also a research analyst with the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba.
Kathleen LaForme Kathleen is Mohawk of Six Nations and Mississauga’s of New Credit First Nations. After graduating from Mohawk College's Native Community Care, Counseling and Development program in 2001 became the Family Wellness Coordinator for SOADI. Kathleen has many family members and friends who are living with diabetes and upon learning that it was becoming an epidemic in Indigenous communities, knew that she had to do something to help stop this. She strives to do her best in promoting diabetes awareness and prevention among Indigenous People not only through SOADI but also among family, friends, and community.
Chief Stacey Laforme R. Stacey LaForme is the elected Chief of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation (MNCFN). Born and raised on MNCFN, Chief LaForme worked as an iron worker before being elected to council in 1999. Chief LaForme has participated in a number of committees and boards throughout his 14 years as a Councillor including MNCFN’s Pan Am Secretariat (PAGS). As chair of the PAGS committee Chief LaForme was instrumental in raising the profile of all First Nations as MNCFN was recognized as the first ever, Host First Nation of the Pan/Parapan Am Games. Chief LaForme is committed to increasing involvement and communication between council regardless of residency. His dedication to the land, history, language and culture of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation are helping guide his First Nation toward a prosperous future.
Margot Latimer Margot is a Professor in Dalhousie University's School of Nursing as well as Faculty at the Centre for Pediatric Pain Research, IWK Health Centre. She co-leads the Aboriginal Children's Hurt & Healing (ACHH) Initiative and has worked in the area of Aboriginal health research for many years. Her research program focuses on Aboriginal children's hurt and pain and improving the health care experiences and outcomes for this population. Margot’s work operates from a Two-Eyed Seeing perspective which aims to incorporate the best of both Indigenous and Western ways.
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Monique Lavallee Gizheb Anung Kwe Monique Lavallee is an Anishinabe from Neyaashiingmiing who currently resides in Stoney Creek, Ontario. She is the proud mother of 2 children. Monique is the Executive Director for Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg. Monique is a passionate advocate for embedding Indigenous pedagogy across the education continuum. Monique is an invited speaker to local, national, and international forums to highlight the importance of land based education and the right of Indigenous learners to have access to culturally relevant education and self determination. Locally, she is the President of the Hamilton Executive Directors Aboriginal Coalition and is working in partnership with the City of Hamilton to develop an Urban Indigenous Strategy to address the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Report. Provincially, Monique is a member of the Ontario Aboriginal Head Start Association where she contributes to the advancement of Indigenous education in the early years.
Elaine Lee Elaine Lee is a mother of two, lives in Hamilton, ON and she is from the Ojibway Nation, Bear Clan. Elaine is a three-time graduate of Mohawk College; holding diplomas in Business, Marketing and Aesthetics. She is a former Commissioned Reserve Officer of the Canadian Armed Forces. She has worked at De dwa da dehs nye>s since 2011 in various capacities developing programs and coordinating events. Currently she is the Healthier YOU program coordinator at the Hamilton site.
Barbara-Lyn Leoprich Barbara-Lyn RN(EC), MSN, DNP (c) is the Family/Mental Health nurse practitioner working at the Hamilton Aboriginal Health Centre. I attained my undergraduate nursing degree from the University of Pittsburgh (U of P) in Pennsylvania in 1997. I then completed my Masters of Nursing at (U of P) coupled with my Nurse Practitioners degree in 2005. Along with working at the health care centre I enjoy tutoring nurse practitioner students at McMaster University. I am a strong advocate for patient rights and working along side each and every individual at a pace that suits their needs in attempts of preventing illnesses and targeting disease. I am currently working on a Doctorate nursing degree with a focus on addictions and mental health. Even though I am a non-Native Canadian I strongly admire and am drawn to the Native culture.
Renee Linklater Renee, PhD is a member of Rainy River First Nations in Northwestern Ontario. Renee has 20 years of experience working with Aboriginal healing agencies and First Nation communities. She has worked across the health and education sectors as a frontline worker, program evaluator, curriculum dveloper, educator/trainer and researcher. She is an international speaker on trauma and healing and is author of Decolonizing trauma work: Indigenous stories and strategies. Renee is the Director of Aboriginal Engagement and Outreach for the Provincial System Support Program at the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
Maureen Lux Maureen Lux teaches the history of medicine in Canada, and Indigenous history at Brock University. Her first book, Medicine That Walks: Disease, Medicine and Canadian Plains Peoples, examines the health impacts of colonization and dispossession from the 1870s Treaty era to the 1940s. She is currently collaborating with Professor Erika Dyck on a history of post-1969 reproductive politics in Canada.
Brittany Madigan Brittany Madigan identifies as Mohawk of Kahnawake and Canadian. She has a Master of Social Work, Bachelor of Social Work, and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from McMaster University. Brittany has enjoyed working with Indigenous children, youth, and their families for 5 years. She has also worked with people experiencing homelessness, people with developmental disabilities, and youth mentorship programs. Brittany is currently a Child and Youth Mental Health Counsellor and Registered Social Worker at De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre. She lives in Hamilton with her husband and is a mother to two dogs and a horse. In her spare time she enjoys horseback riding, fitness, reading, music, and spending time with loved ones. Not available at time of print.
Pat Mandy
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Yvonne Maracle Yvonne is Mohawk, Bear Clan and is a mother, grandmother, artist and community member who has joined the “Homeward Bound” Team. She has many years of experience working in the “homeless” field and brings her life experience and compassion to the team.
Heather Manson Heather (MD, FRCPC, MHSc) is the Chief, Health Promotion, Chronic Disease, and Injury Prevention at Public Health Ontario, and Assistant Professor (Status) at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. Dr. Manson engages with researchers, practitioners and policy-makers in core areas (e.g., reproductive, child and youth health, healthy living, oral health, chronic disease and injury prevention) to generate and accelerate the application of evidence into policy and practice through supporting public health research, evaluation, and knowledge synthesis. Dr. Manson’s team also provides significant support for public health capacity-building activities including training, tools, workshops and webinars to strengthen capacity in the public health workforce. Dr. Manson is the nominated Principal Investigator (PI) of the CIHR-funded Indigenous-stream evaluation of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge, along with fellow co-PI’s Dr. Lucie Lévesque and Dr. Janet Smylie. This evaluation is conducted in partnership with six Aboriginal Health Access Centres and Community Health Centres.
Jo-Ann Mattina Jo-Ann has over 10 years of progressive management experience through her work with the De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre, Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Integration Health Network and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care and has 16 years experience in the healthcare. As Chief Operating Officer, Jo-Ann is an active member of the Management Team and is the staff Lead for the Quality and Capital Committees of our Board of Directors. Jo-Ann has two beautiful daughters that make her life complete.
Colleen McKay Colleen has been working with Wequedong Lodge of Thunder Bay, a hostel that supports community members from remote First Nations communities in Northwestern Ontario while seeking medical care in the city, for over 10 years. As a compassionate, skilled and motivated team member, Colleen has held many roles with Wequedong Lodge, including Oji-Cree and Cree medical interpreter, Health Canada discharge clerk, and oral health coordinator. Most recently, she has worked as the Wequedong Lodge Cancer Screening Program Liaison, a role in which she worked closely with primary care providers to provide education about cancer screening, and coordinate the booking of cancer screening appointments as well as correspondence with in-community providers. She has been a member of the Wequedong Lodge Cancer Screening Research Project Community Advisory Group throughout the project, and has recently taken on the Research Project Coordinator role as well.
Constance McKnight Constance McKnight, a woman of Metis heritage, is the Executive Director of the De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre in Hamilton. Currently she also serves as a public member of the Consent and Capacity Board of Ontario, the Aboriginal Constituency representative on the Board of Directors of the Association of Ontario Health Centres, and as a Board Member of the Hamilton Executive Directors Aboriginal Coalition. She is a founding member and past Chair of the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health, is the former Executive Director of the National Network for Mental Health, and has a substantial history working within the mental health and cross-disability sector nationally. As a mental health leader representing the consumer/survivor constituency of Canada, Constance worked hard to support the move of mental health to the front of the Federal Agenda. For her leadership nationally, she was awarded with The Council of Canadians with Disability's National Award in 2005.
Leila Monib A settler-Canadian of diverse ancestry (African, Middle Eastern and European) Leila has recently joined the Ontario ICS Program as a Provincial Practice Lead. Previously. Leila was a Health Equity Specialist on Toronto Pubic Health’s Access and Equity Team. She is passionate about exploring the roles/responsibilities of non-Indigenous Canadians in examining implicit bias while honouring treaties and international law to improve health outcomes for diverse Indigenous communities.
Amy Monture Amy Montour is an Oneida woman from the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory where she continues to reside with her husband, three children and grandson. She has completed Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Medicine degrees at McMaster University. Amy works clinically as a hospitalist, palliative care physician and family physician for the elderly. In addition, she currently sits as a Regional Aboriginal Clinical Lead for Cancer Care Ontario and a Regional Palliative Care Clinical Co Lead for the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Health Integration Network.
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Gertie Mai Muise Gertie Mai Muise is Mi’kmaq from Bay St. George, Newfoundland and a member of the Qualipu Mi’Kmaq First Nation She is a dedicated and respected leader in Indigenous health organizational development, policy and systems change management. With 20+ years of commitment Ms. Muise has a unique combination of skills and experience, collaborating with provincial and federal governments, LHINs and First Nation and Indigenous-governed health service providers toward innovative, Indigenous-informed solutions for services design and system change. Gertie Mai is currently the Director, Indigenous Health Transformation and Relations with the Association of Ontario Health Centres, actively engaged in AHAC/ACHC sector development. She holds a Masters of Arts in Leadership fr Concerned about removing system barriers Gertie Mai has taken a collaborative leadership role in creating Ontario’s first online provincial Indigenous Cultural Safety Training Program and one grounded in an anti-racist pedagogy. She has recently chaired the Provincial Health Aboriginal Leads Network and the National Committee for Aboriginal Health Service Standards development with the Canadian Centre of Accreditation (CCA). Currently she is the sole Indigenous health expert member on the provincial Patients First, LHIN Renewal Advisory Group and Health Quality Ontario Equity External Stakeholders Advisory Committee. She also sits on the Governance Board of the newly formed Research Institute for Equity and Inclusion at Western University.
Angela Naveau Angela is Anishnaabe Kwe, Bear Clan and a member of Mattagami First Nation in Northern Ontario. Angela began her professional journey with the Aboriginal Health Centre in 2004 and is dedicated to the health and well-being of the Indigenous community. Angela's passion and commitment to the individuals and families of De dwa da dehs nye>s as the clinic Services Managerensures their access to quality care through partnerships, advocacy and a patient first approach. Angela is dedicated to aligning Indigenous practices and ways of knowing and being to enhance healthcare experiences and relationships for the Indigenous community she serves.
Jessica North Jessica is a Métis scholar, social worker and educator. Her linage is from the Wampanoag, "People of the Dawn" tribe from Rhode Island, Massachusetts. Jessica has worked across various healthcare settings over the past 10 years. Currently she works at CSC Chigamik CHC as the Community Health Manager and oversees the four-year community led project called the "Healthy Kids Community Challenge" focused on increasing the health and wellbeing of Indigenous families in North Simcoe. Jessica has been involved in several community-based projects, including a Photovoice research project with First Nation youth who board off reserve to attend high school and a national research project working with Indigenous people to build injury-free communities.
Charles Paco Charles is a Masters of Epidemiology student at the University of Guelph. His research is based on studying the health and cultural implications resulting from the epidemic of unsafe drinking water within our Indigenous communities. My Mother is of Mi’kmaq heritage and I have consequently taken an interest in Indigenous issues. More specifically, I am interested in improving the health care of Canada’s indigenous peoples.
Michèle Parent-Bergeron Michèle is originally from the Outaouais region in Quebec. She completed her PhD in 2010 and a Master’s degree in 1999. After working throughout Canada, she currently resides on the French River in Noelville, Ontario. She is Provincial Lead, Indigenous Cultural Safety Program, Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre. She developed and has been teaching an Indigenous Health Policy course at the Johnson-Shoyanna Graduate School of Public Policy. As Principal, Indigenous Health Scholar & Consulting, she has been providing professional research and education services to universities, colleges, associations and government across the country and beyond. After working in both faculty and administrative roles for several years at Laurentian University and Nipissing University in Northern Ontario, she is currently Adjunct Professor, Graduate School at Laurentian University. For close to 25 years, her work in outpost settings, research, education and program evaluation focused on Tuberculosis management, Indigenous health and consensus building and Indigenous health policy. She is bilingual and her roots in the Metis and Algonquin culture and family influence her practice on a daily basis.
Elysia Peattie Elysia is a graduate the University of Toronto's MSW program, and is registered social worker with the OCSWSSW. She has also completed a bachelor of social work, a bachelor of arts in psychology, and has specialized in Aboriginal studies / culture. Elysia has been working within the mental health system for almost a decade, in a variety of roles - working both in institutional and community settings. She is committed to providing evidence based treatment (having been clinically supervised and trained in psychotherapy modalities including CBT, DBT, EFFT, and Narrative Therapy), and believes that practice must also be driven by holistic principles, and collaboration. Elysia is inspired daily by her clients' resilience, strength, and their determination to be their best selves.
Roger Pilon Roger Pilon is a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner who has worked in primary health care for over 25 years. He has extensive experience in First Nation health as well as rural and outpost nursing. He is currently an Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing at Laurentian University and practises as a Nurse Practitioner one day a week in a local francophone Community Health Centre in the city of Greater Sudbury. In 2015 he obtained an interdisciplinary PhD in Rural and Northern Health at Laurentian University. The focus of his doctoral thesis was an exploration of the impact of colonization on the experience of living with type 2 diabetes from the Indigenous perspective. Since the completion of his doctoral thesis, Roger has been actively involved in community consultations and knowledge translation with the 7 First Nation communities along the North Shore.
Aric Rankin Aric Rankin is a Nurse Practitioner who at the Brantford Clinic of De dwa da dehs nye>s. In 2005, I completed my bachelor of Science in Nursing and have worked in a variety of acute care settings including Paediatric Oncology and Paediatric Emergency. I have a passion for working with marginalized populations, which has led me to work in isolated northern Ontario First Nation communities as well as volunteer with other communities around the world including South Africa, Fijian Islands, Haiti and Australia. These experiences sparked my interest to continue my educational journey. I completed my Nurse Practitioner Primary Health Care certificate in 2012 and Masters in Nursing in 2013. In my spare time I am a volunteer with the Canadian Medical Assistance Teams (CMAT) and a board member of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO). Additionally, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our daughter. Working with the fantastic team and patients at De dwa da dehs nye>s is both rewarding and a privilege. I am proud to serve our community.
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Angela Recollet
Heidi Resetar Heidi Resetar is an Occupational Therapist who has been providing community based services in a variety of settings in North Eastern Ontario since graduating from the University of Western Ontario in 1993. As a result, she has had the privilege of working with many different community partners in the delivery of in home palliative care services. Heidi currently provides community based Occupational Therapy services to First Nation communities along the North Shore of Lake Huron as part of the Community Support Services Program offered through Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services Inc.
Elder Peter Schuler Peter Schuler is a 70-year-old grandfather and Elder of the Mississaugas of the Credit. Peter is a member of the Minweyweygaan Midewin Lodge in Manitoba and a minor founding member of Kinomaagaye Gaamik: Lodge of Learning at New Credit. An amateur writer and artist, Peter tries to pass on traditional Ojibwe teachings through storytelling, art and craft making. Since retirement from construction work he has taken these stories to elementary and high schools and works to educate the public in an effort to fight racism and to promote understanding of First Nations history and culture. For the past two years he has co-taught a course entitled Introduction to Indigenous Environmental Knowledge with Professor Dan McCarthy at the University of Waterloo.
Laura Senese Laura completed a MA in Geography at the University of Toronto, which explored relationships between urbanization, Indigenous rights and health. She has worked on a number of community-based research projects, including several with the Well Living House, an action research centre for Indigenous health and well-being. She is currently managing a Canadian Institutes for Health Research-funded project focused on cancer screening in First Nations and Métis communities in Ontario, which is co-led by Cancer Care Ontario and Sunnybrook Research Institute. As a part of this large project, Laura is also leading two community-based participatory research projects in collaboration with First Nations and Métis community partners.
Marianna Shturman Marianna received her M.A. in Clinical Psychology and Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology. Marianna is a registered psychotherapist with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Marianna embodies scientist-practitioner model and truly believes in the evidencebased practice and applied research. She has over 20 years of clinical experience in a non-for-profit sector working with culturally diverse groups including African-American, Hispanic, and Aboriginal communities. Over the years, she has been involved in multiple research projects such as program/curriculum development and evaluation, measurement/assessment development and validation, needs and capacity assessment, and service provision system analysis and integration. In addition to her strong clinical and research skills, Marianna has many years of experience in planning and managing holistic programs with emphasis on integrating mental, physical, emotional, spiritual and social health. She has led many initiatives related to early prevention, intervention, and education on the issues related to community wellness/health. Through her tenure as a Director of Mental Wellness Services at the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, Marianna has developed and successfully managed the holistic addiction and mental health services, provided clinical services to clients, training and clinical supervision to staff, as well as conducted applied clinical research.
John R. Sylliboy John is a member of the Millbrook First Nation and is the Aboriginal Children’s Hurt & Healing Initiative (ACHH) National Aboriginal Research Engagement Coordinator at IWK Health Centre. He has extensive experience as a health policy analyst for Atlantic First Nation communities and is research lead on several projects that impact the health, wellbeing and educational pursuit of Aboriginal youth. John is co-founder of the Wabanaki Two Spirit Alliance, a regional organization that aims to build supports for education, health and well-being for Two Spirits in the Atlantic region through awareness and cultural knowledge sharing, workshop development and youth empowerment. John is completing his MA in Education Foundations at Mount Saint Vincent University.
Stephanie Sinclair Stephanie is an Ojibway woman from Sandy Bay First Nation. Stephanie was born and raised in Winnipeg Stephanie is a mother of two children ages 8 and 12. She has a Masters in Clinical Psychology from the University of Manitoba. Stephanie currently working on a Ph.D. in Native Studies at the University of Manitoba. Stephanie is working at Nanaandawewigamig, in the research department on two projects, one focuses on community based primary health care and the other focuses on examining the impact of being supported by an Indigenous doula for First Nations women.
Tracy Skov Tracey is a registered nurse currently working at Baxter as the Manager Western Clinical Services and manages a clinical team in the western provinces. She is a member of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation and has been focusing her efforts on educating and promoting home dialysis for indigenous people and remote communities. Tracey graduated nursing school in 1992 and went on to finish her degree in nursing at Brock University in 2003 and a Master degree in Nursing at Drexel University in 2007. In 2015, Tracey completed a double Master degree program in business administration at both Queen’s University and Cornel University. She has had a diverse background in nursing from working in hospital, the community, clinical research and in the private sector.
Wendy Smith Wendy Smith is a graduate of McMaster University and has practiced as a physiotherapist in Northern Ontario for the last 20 years. She is currently working in as a member of the Community Support Services team with Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services and is currently the President of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association.
Diane Smylie Diane is Métis with early roots in the Red River Settlement and western Canada. She worked in community-based substance use services as a clinician/counsellor and a manager for many years before becoming more involved in program evaluation, program development, system planning, community engagement and knowledge exchange initiatives. She has an educational background in both nursing and social work. More recently, she worked as a Substance Use Knowledge Exchange leader with the Provincial Health Services Authority in B.C. on initiatives to strengthen traumainformed practice, Indigenous cultural safety and compassion; inclusion and engagement. Currently, Diane is the Provincial Director of the Ontario Indigenous Cultural Safety Program with the Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre.
Janet Smylie Janet Smylie is the directors of the Living Well House Action Research Centre for Indigenous Infant, CHild, youth and family, health and wellbeing, CIHR Applied public chair, and staff physician and St. Mike’s Hospital. Her primary Academic appointment Is as Associate Professor at Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto. Dr. Smylie’s Research Focuses on addressing Indigenous health Inequities In partnership With Indigenous communities. A Metis woman, Janet Acknowledges Her family, teachers and lodge
Jill Tinmouth Jill’s research focuses on gastrointestinal cancers, as well as on quality improvement and health service utilization of gastrointestinal services in Ontario. She is currently the Lead Scientist for Ontario's ColonCancerCheck program. She has received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute, Canadian Association of Gastroenterology, the Canadian HIV Trials Network, the Ontario Institute of Cancer Research and the Ontario HIV Treatment Network. She is currently collaborating with Cancer Care Ontario's Aboriginal Cancer Control Unit on a Canadian Institutes of Health Research project focused on cancer screening in First Nations and Métis communities in Ontario.
Steve Teekens Steve is a member of Nipissing First Nation. Steve has been working with the marginalized and homeless sector in Toronto since 1995. Steve is the Executive Director at NaMe-Res (Native Men’s Residence) where he has worked since 2008. Steve is very active in Toronto’s Aboriginal Community where he volunteers on the board of Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training, Aboriginal Legal Services Community Council Program, Toronto Police Services Aboriginal Consultative Committee, Vice President of TASSC (Toronto Aboriginal Social Services Council). Steve also teaches traditional drumming and to the youth and men at various Native organizations inside and outside of Toronto.
Josh Tobias Josh completed a PhD at the University of Western Ontario where he worked with Elders from two Anishnaabe communities in a collaborative research project exploring resilience to environmental dispossession and its impacts upon community health. His postdoctoral research examined how current health policies shape access to cancer screening amongst First Nations in Ontario.
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Theresa Turmel Dr. Theresa Turmel is an Anishinaabe-kwe from Michipicoten First Nation and graduated from the Ph.D. Program: Indigenous Studies from Trent University and graduated September 13, 2013. She is a devoted mother of 3 and grandmother of 4.
Brittany Vincze Brittany is of Haudenosaunee (Six Nations, Cayuga) and Canadian (Scottish, English) ancestry. Brittany completed the Social Service Worker program through Mohawk College and went on to complete her concurrent degree in Social Work and Sociology through McMaster University. Brittany is currently enrolled in the Master of Social Work program through Wilfred Laurier University in the Indigenous Field of Study. Brittany is currently employed as a Child and Youth Mental Health Counsellor at De Dwa Da Dehs Nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre in Brantford, ON and is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. In her leisure time Brittany enjoys practicing hot yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, reading, being with nature and spending quality time with her husband and her dog. Brittany extends a "nya:weh kowa" (big thanks) to this year's conference for inviting me to present.
Cristina Vlahopoulos Christina Vlahopoulos is the Healthy Kids Community Challenge (HKCC) Local Project Lead at De dwa da dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre (DAHC), an Aboriginal Health Access Centre located in both Hamilton and Brantford, Ontario. Christina has always been passionate about helping people and did so as a Naturopathic Doctor for 10 years in Toronto and Kingston, Ontario. While studying to become a Naturopathic Doctor, she completed an internship at Anishnawbe Health in Toronto and became more interested in the Indigenous holistic view of health, culture and ways of knowing. She went on to pursue her Master of Public Health degree at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario and is now putting theory into practise through the HKCC at DAHC. Christina is not only passionate about holistic health and wellness; she is also passionate about the environment and the interconnectedness between the environment and health.
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Liz Walker Liz Walker is currently the Director of the Public Health Accountability and Liaison Branch in the Population and Public Health Division of the Ministry of Health and LongTerm Care. Liz joined the Ontario government in 1992, holding a variety of policy positions in the former Ontario Native Affairs Secretariat, Ministry of Community and Social Services, and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. She has been in the public health field since 2003 where she has been responsible for the development and implementation of Public Health Ontario, leading the team that supported the SARS Expert Panel and resulting provincial response Operation Health Protection. More recently, Liz has led a number of public health initiatives with the federal government and Indigenous communities to better address community needs through policy, program and system changes.
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Doris Warner Doris Warner joined Saint Elizabeth First Nations, Inuit and Métis Program in May 2011 as Engagement Liaison. She brings over 25 years of experience working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and organizations across Canada. Doris’ extensive experience in community mobilization and knowledge sharing provides a strong foundation in her current role supporting health and wellness initiatives. Doris’ efforts are focused in the areas of: strategic partnerships and relationship development, facilitation, consultation, and training design and delivery. She is currently leading a number of culturally meaningful project and research initiatives across Canada that focus on supporting improved understanding of the cancer journey and better cancer outcomes for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. Doris has also worked with both Cancer Care Ontario’s Aboriginal Cancer Control Unit and the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy. Doris was responsible for the design; development and successful implementation of culturally meaningful, evidence based education campaigns and community mobilization initiatives. Doris received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Indigenous Studies from Laurentian University, and firmly believes that experiential learning is a life long journey gifted to all people.
Shelley Wiart Shelley is Metis and a member of the North Slave Metis Alliance, Northwest Territories. She is the co-founder of Women Warriors, a physical activity and nutrition education program with an Indigenous-focus, which she has facilitated for the past two years in her community of Lloydminster, Alberta. Shelley is enrolled in Athabasca University and completing her fourth year of her Bachelor of Arts degree, Sociology and Women & Gender Studies. She is a certified urban poling instructor and avid runner.
Sonja Wicklum Sonja is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, in the Department of Family Medicine. She has a teaching practice at the Sheldon M Chumir Health Center in downtown Calgary. Her research focuses on obesity prevention and management in the Primary Care setting, with special interests in medical education and Indigenous health. Prior to her arrival in Calgary she practiced rural Family Medicine for many years in both Montana (Flathead Reservation) and Ontario, along with part-time consultant work at The Ottawa Civic Hospital Weight Management Clinic. She is the Co-Founder of the Women Warrior’s program that aspires to help Indigenous and non-Indigenous women make healthy lifestyle changes. Tara Williams Not available at time of print.
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Pamela Williamson
Valorie Whetung Valorie Whetung is a member of the Curve Lake First Nation, where she grew up and went to school. In the spirit of lifelong learning, she has earned a B.SC., BA and MA. Her professional life has been devoted to making changes to health delivery, data to support informed decision making and promoting education for First Nations. Her career has spanned 5 decades during which she was Director of the First Nations Centre at the National Aboriginal Health Organization, Section Chief in the Social and Aboriginal Statistics Division at Statistics Canada, Behavior Therapist, teacher of public school, high school and college level and potter utilizing the sacred petro glyph designs. In addition, Valorie has served as health manager at a number of First Nation Communities.
Amy Wright Amy resides in Dundas, Ontario with her husband and two huskies. She is a non-Indigenous Nurse Practitioner with a passion for health equity and social justice. Challenged by the health inequities experienced by Indigenous infants and their families in urban areas, she is currently completing a PhD, collaborating with the Hamilton Regional Indian Centre and Rachel Bomberry, on research that seeks to understand how Indigenous mothers living in Hamilton Ontario experience using health services to meet the health needs of their infants. She hopes the study will provide health services with meaningful and effective strategies to provide culturally appropriate care for Indigenous families, which may lead to better health outcomes.
