President’s Welcome
Watchay, Boozhoo, Greetings:
On behalf of the board of directors I would like to welcome you to our 32nd annual conference. I have served as your president for two terms and have been able to immerse myself into the organization and really appreciate how much ONECA has and continues to do to support student success and advance counselling for Indigenous people.
I am honoured to have been able to serve the organization and to collaborate with so many committed individuals who have dedicated their lives to making a difference in the lives of our people. The knowledge and experience within the organization is immeasurable and it is reflected in the work that we do in supporting our students, communities and other organizations.
I hope everyone enjoys the conference and look forward to connecting with you over the next few days.
Miigwetch: To our sponsors for their continued support, to our members for your commitment to the organization, and to our guests for choosing to be with us and gain professionally from our facilitators.
Roger Chum President
CONFERENCE-AT-A-GLANCE
SATURDAY MAY 28 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Registration for Pre-Conference 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. BOARD MEETING - Library
SUNDAY MAY 29 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 PRE-CONFERENCE TRAINING - Cultural Competency -O.F.I.F.C Maya Chacaby Library 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 BOARD WORKSHOP - Birch Bark Baskets – Court Yard 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Registration – Lobby Lounge Member fee if registered before April 29/16 - $450 Member fee if registered after April 29/16 - $500 Non-Member Fee - $600 Elders (65+) and Students (must show proof of enrollment) - $450 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Polling Station - Lobby Lounge 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Exhibitor Set-Up - Ballroom 1 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Platinum Sponsors Platform Reception Trent University/Sault College West and Centre 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. District Feud – West and Centre
MONDAY MAY 30 7:15 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. Turtle Talks with Dave Jones 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Breakfast 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Opening Prayer (Elder) Peter Beaucage & Welcoming Chief Dean Sayers, Chief Paul Syrette 9:00 a.m. -10:15 a.m. Key Note Address –Justice Murray Sinclair 10:30– 12:00 pm FORUM – Julia Candlish- Chiefs of Ontario , Janine Griffore - MOE, INAC 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 pm. Lunch 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Grand Hall East Blanket Exercise – Jerri Lynn Orr and Anne Marie Demerah Grand Hall Centre What is Accessible Services at College – Maureen McLeod and Tammy Ross Court Yard Overcoming Barriers, Building Bridges Sheila Cote-Meek and Taima Moeke-Pickering Grand Hall West Knowledge Exchange on Elementary and Secondary - Gayle Mason – Stark & Dominic Beaudry Library FISH/Breaking Down Walls-Tina Facsina & Colleen Couturier Annex Impact of Human Trafficking- Manitoulin Grandmothers-Roberta Oshkabewisens
2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Grand Hall East Blanket Exercise- Jerri Lynn Orr and Anne Marie Demerah Grand Hall Centre What is Accessible Services at College – Maureen McLeod and Tammy Ross Court Yard Overcoming Barriers, Building Bridges – Cont. from A.M. Sheila Cote-Meek and Taima Moeke- Grand Hall West Pickering Library Knowledge Exchange on Post-Secondary –Sharon Goulais and Roger Chum Annex FISH/Breaking Down Walls- Tina Facsina & Colleen Couturier What you need to know to heal yourself- Catherine O’Connell 4:45 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Regional MEETINGS North West Region- North East Region Southern Region Grand Hall- East Grand Hall- Centre Grand Hall- West -Kenora -Georgian Bay -London -Fort Francis -James Bay -Brantford -Sioux Lookout -Sudbury -Peterborough -Lakehead -Nakina
TUESDAY MAY 31 7:15 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. Turtle Talks with Dave Jones 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Breakfast 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Candidate for President Forum 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS Court Yard Birch Bark Baskets – Levi Duncan Library Healing Ceremony- Diane Longboat Grand Hall East Honouring our Strengths-Mary Deleary Grand Hall Centre Indigenous Ways of Learning/Teaching-Diane Hill Grand Hall West Walk a mile- Ann Magiskan Annex Urban Indigenous Ways of Knowing – Eddie Robinson
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Voting 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Transitions to Post Secondary Jason Jenkins & Daniella Robinson 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Election Results Announced
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. ADDITIONAL WORKSHOPS Court Yard Birch Bark Baskets – CONTINUED – Levi Duncan Library Mental Wellness and YOU- Brian Nootchtai Synergy Working with Students with Autism, Vision Technology Service& SNOW - Julia Foster & Erica Posthumus 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Banquet and ENTERTAINMENT-EZEE with Ruby John (Fiddler) Country
WEDNESDAY JUNE 1 7:15 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. Turtle Talks with Dave Jones 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Breakfast 9:00 a.m. - 12:00p.m. CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS Court Yard Personality Dimensions- Rae Anne Hill-Beauchamp Library Healing Ceremony – Diane Longboat Grand Hall East Honouring Our Strengths-Mary Deleary Grand Hall Centre Ka’nikonhriyohshera- Fostering Emergence of the Good Mind-Diane Hill Grand Hall West Urban Indigenous Ways of Knowing – Eddie Robinson Annex FASD-Matt Sinclair 10:00 a.m. First Meeting of New 2016 ONECA Board of Directors – Patio Room 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch 1:00 p.m. Closing - Peter Beaucage We ask that all conference participants please wear your name tag at all times throughout the conference!
. Coffee/Nutrition Breaks - Ballroom Foyer will be 10:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. . SELF CARE- must sign up schedule posted Room 130 . ONECA Office will be in the Patio Room . Polling Stations will be open for President Nomination: o Sunday May 29, 2016 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. o Monday May 30, 2016 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. . Voting will be open: o Tuesday May 31, 2016 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. . The 2016/2017ONECA Board of Directors will be announced: o Tuesday May 31, 2016 at the Annual General Meeting o FIRST MEETING OF 2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS - 10:00 am in the ONECA office (Patio Room) . Banquet tickets are included with your conference registration fee, however, if you wish to bring a guest, tickets are available for purchase for $50.00 . Counsellor of the Year nominations must be delivered to the Electoral Officer, , no later than 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday May 31, 2016
Maya Chacaby is Anishinaabe, Beaver Clan from Kaministiquia. She is the Senior Researcher at the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres. Maya has been leading Cultural Competency Training sessions across the province for the last three years. She has trained over 3000 participants from District School Boards, Health Service Providers, Hospitals, Law Enforcement, Children’s Aid, Municipal leadership, Provincial Ministries and Tribal Councils. Maya holds an M.A. in Adult Education and Community Development from the University of Toronto. Her research and publications include Aboriginal worldviews and pedagogies, Aboriginal research methodologies, Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe Language) revitalization and policy work in ending violence against Aboriginal women. In addition to designing and delivering Aboriginal cultural competency training sessions across the province, Maya teaches linguistics and sociology at York University and has designed several Aboriginal youth-based leadership and education initiatives provincially. Maya is committed to fulfilling the vision put forward by the Elders to remember where we come from and to use our teachings and worldview to improve our quality of life for generations to come.”
Concurrent Workshops
Kairos Blanket Exercise By: Jerri-Lynn Orr & Anne Marie Demerah This participatory workshop will help participants understand how colonization of the land we now know as Canada has impacted the people who lived here long before the settlers arrived. Through this exercise ABSTRACT participants will explore the nation-to-nation relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada, how this relationship has been damaged over the years, and how they can work toward reconciliation. Jerri-Lynn is the Native Access Program Coordinator at Lakehead University. She is Metis and originally from Winnipeg, where she received her Aboriginal Languages (Diploma)/Bachelor of Arts (Geography)/Bachelor of Education through a join program with the University of Winnipeg (UW) and Red River College (RRC), she was the second graduate of this program and it is something she is proud of. Jerri-Lynn chose to go to university because she wanted to make a better life for her children. She understood what it was like to grow up in poverty and was determined to continue with her education pursuits. She went back to high school and earned her mature student diploma. Then she enrolled at UW/RRC and learned that she could be successful even while raising children. Jerri-Lynn became involved in bringing the KAIROS/Blanket Exercise into the community of Thunder Bay after attending a session in Southern Ontario. She felt passionate about passing the knowledge to all those willing to learn and listen as it is an important part for truth reconciliation to begin with all people. She then began volunteering with the Canadian Roots Exchange; a youth lead organization that brings Indigenous and BIOGRAPHY non-indigenous people together through workshops, exchange and dialogue, which the Blanket Exercise is an important part of.
Anne Marie Demerah is a 22-year-old first year Lakehead University student studying Indigenous Learning, who completed the Native Access Program. She volunteers with Canadian Roots Exchange (an organization where youth play a leading role in strengthening intergenerational relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples) bringing the Blanket Exercise, which was developed by KAIROS Canada, to schools and communities within the city of Thunder Bay. Annemarie also volunteers with the Lakehead University Student Union’s Aboriginal Awareness Centre and Neechee Studios. She works with the youth in her community teaching traditional crafts, legends and story-telling. She helps youth to make a positive contribution to their community and develop skills and talents though the process of building wigwams and a canoe. Annemarie is from Fort William First Nation. Target Audience All Audiences
What is Accessible Services at College? BY: Maureen McLeod & Tammy Ross Information session to discuss the following: the importance of self-identifying at College, the importance of having updated documentations on the disability(proper documentation needed by the school and from whom), Services and extra supports available from the schools for students with ABSTRACT documented disabilities, Highlight opportunities for students at college. (Accommodations what are they, CICE at Sault College). How to access the Bursary of Students with Disabilities (BWSD) and other special funding. Maureen McLeod member of Serpent River First Nation. Alumni of Laurentian University received her degree in Psychology. She worked for 15 years in the shelter movement before joining the Sault College faculty in 2005 as Native Student Counsellor. Has worked in Accessibility Services at the college for 8 BIOGRAPHY years.
Tammy Ross is a member of Wikwemikong First Nation and born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie. She graduated from Sault College’s Correctional Worker program in 1992 and worked for Corrections. After
spending almost 5 years as a Correctional Officer she returned to school. She graduated again from Sault College’s Native Community Worker Program and graduated from Algoma University with her degree. She continued with her schooling and graduated from Queens University with a Bachelor Of Education. She is also a graduate of the Native Counsellors Training Program and in 2008 she received her Master of Education. She did take additional qualification in Special Education and has worked for the Algoma District School Board and came to Sault College to teach in 2008. She gained full-time employment in 2010 with Sault College as a Native Student Counsellor. Target Audience Education Counsellors/ Students
Overcoming Barriers & Building Bridges to Enhance Aboriginal Student Success BY: Shelia Cote Meek & Tiama Moeke-Pickering Based on the book “Colonized Classrooms; Racism, Trauma and Resistance in Post-Secondary Education Colonized” this workshops will outline the barriers that Aboriginal Students experience in ABSTRACT Post-secondary institutions. This will be followed by a facilitated group discussion on how bridges can be built between community education counsellors and educational institutions with the view to contribute to the academic success of Aboriginal Students. Dr. Shelia Cote-Meek, a member of the Teme-Augama Anishnabai, is the Associate VP, Academic & Indigenous Programs at Laurentian University. Her responsibilities include university faculty relations as well as leading the development across various disciplines and the development of an Indigenous Education Centre dedicated to Indigenous learning, culture and scholarly pursuit at Laurentian University. A full professor in her home department, the School of Rural and Northern Health, she has taught courses in Indigenous health and wellness, Indigenous research methodologies, and community organizing. She is the author of Colonized Classrooms; Racism, Trauma and Resistance in Post- Secondary Education which analyzes the experiences of Aboriginal students and professors in the post- secondary system. BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Taima Moeke-Pickering (Ngati Pukeko and Tuhoe iwi) is an Associate Professor and Director in the School of Indigenous Relations at Laurentian University. Her passion lies in teaching, research and exploring determinants of Indigenous culture that strengthens communities. She currently teaches across a number of topic areas such as Indigenous social work, Indigenous research methodologies, Indigenous Management practices and United Nations and Indigenous Peoples. She specializes in Indigenous research methodologies, photo voice, case studies and community evaluation. Dr. Moeke-Pickering is the Vice-Chairperson of the Laurentian University Research Ethics Board. She supervises a number of master’s and doctoral students at Laurentian. Target Audience Post-Secondary
Knowledge Exchange on Elementary and Secondary BY: Gayle Mason-Stark & Dominic Beaudry During this session the facilitators will lead the group in a discussion and engage the participants in a discussion about some of the barriers that exist for both on and off reserve schools when it comes to ABSTRACT implementing programs, services, reporting and the impacts that these have on student success. Participants will be encouraged to participate, share best practices and put forward recommendations on how to improve services and the role that ONECA can play to assist communities in supporting change.
Gayle Mason Stark is a proud mother of three children, Natalka a teacher, Annya, a candidate for a PhD and Garrett a nuclear engineer. She is grandmother of fourteen and a member of the Turtle Clan. She is BIOGRAPHY a small historian and has been researching her family in the Trail of Tears. She is a proud resident of the Chippewa’s of Saugeen First Nation in Southern Ontario. For many years, she worked as a band administrator, a political territorial organization administrator, a friendship centre administrator and a
native women’s association administrator. Gayle received a graduate degree from York University in the Education of Exceptional Students and an Ontario Teachers Certificate from McMaster University. Gayle received a diploma from Centennial College in Toronto in the field of Community and Social Services and obtained a certificate from Sick Children’s Mother Risk-FASD Diagnosis Certification. She participated in the organization of many Toronto Social Services Agencies, including Aboriginal Legal Services of Toronto, Pehdahbun Lodge, and Native Child and Family Services. She presented a paper to the UN on the issue of Sustainable Development. For the past fifteen years, Gayle has worked in her home community in the field of Education. During this time she was responsible for accrediting eighteen special education teacher assistants to build a qualified work force for special education in the provincial schools and worked with the cottagers association on building a living trust fund to help Saugeen adult students to obtain accelerated credits to get into community college. Gayle is a long serving member of the Ontario Native Education Counselling Association as an active member of the board of directors.
Dominic Beaudry B.A.(H),B.Ed.,M.A. Dominic Beaudry is currently the Education Director with the Wikwemikong Board of Education. Dominic’s education includes a Business Diploma from Humber College, Bachelor of Arts Degree from Trent University, Bachelor of Education Degree from Queen’s University and a Master of Arts Degree from the University of Toronto. In his work career Dominic has been a school teacher, school principal and Education Director and briefly worked with the Ministry of Education as policy analyst. In his board work he has been a board of governor at Cambrian College and Laurentian University at Sudbury. Dominic’s interests include history, political science, economic development and education. He is a strong believer for policy development and workplace transparency along with incorporating the Seven Grandfather Teachings guiding daily practices. Dominic values First Nations culture and is fluent in the Anishinaabe language. He believes that First Nations are in the best position to provide quality education for all students provided funding is equitable.
Target Audience K- 12 Education Counsellors/ Directors of Education
Knowledge Exchange on Post Secondary BY: Sharon Goulais & Roger Chum During this session the facilitators will lead the group in discussion and engage participants in a discussion regarding some of the challenges that are faced both at the First Nation community level when it comes to supporting students, as well as the post-secondary institutions. Participants will be asked to share their experience in supporting students as well as the student experiences. Participants are ABSTRACT encouraged to share their experience, best practices, and put forward recommendations on how the First Nations, Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities, the Post-Secondary Institutions can improve outcomes and increase graduation rates for First Nation students. We encourage the group to put forward recommendations to ONECA on how we can support change and break some of the barriers.
Roger Chum, Member of Moose Cree First Nation, is a counsellor with Canadore College’s First Peoples’ Centre. Roger is currently the President for the Ontario Native Education Counselling Association. Roger had previously worked at the Moose Cree Education Authority (MCEA) in Moose Factory as a Post-Secondary Counsellors and continues to support and advocate on behalf of out Aboriginal learners at the community college level. Roger has received employee awards from both BIOGRAPHY Canadore and MCEA for his commitment and dedication in supporting students. Sharon Goulais, I am a member of Dokis First Nation and moved here in 2004. I have been the Education Administrator for 10 years, starting in June 2006. My education includes Chemainus Native College, in Ladysmith BC, Malaspina College in Duncan BC, and the University of British Columbia in Vancouver BC. I graduated from the ONECA NCTP program in 2009. I enjoy my position here in Dokis First Nation we have a lot of successful students coming from here. Target Audience Post-Secondary Education Counsellors//Directors of Education
F.I.S.H Breaking Down Walls By: Colleen Couturier & Tina Fascina We will be presenting on FISH, which comes from a program that inspires people in the world of play, be there to make their day and to choose your attitude. Resources will be: video to be shown, a song will ABSTRACT start off the presentation and stuffed fish (stuffed animals) will be given out. Next we will be discussing Breaking Down Walls, will be discussing mental health and how it affects the work place. Resources: Video and handouts will be provided. Tina Fascina, I am the Director, Certified RTWC, and Certified in Change Management Practitioner with my Mission Driven Company. I have over 5 years’ experience in the Disability Management and return to work plans. With these certificates this allows me to educate the employers as well as the employees to put into place return to work plans with individuals with disabilities, along with creating and administer work place culture. FISH, True Colours are just some of the programs that I am qualified to teach they will create a positive work place. BIOGRAPHY Colleen Couturier, I am the Community Outreach Liaison; I have many years of experience in management. I have had the opportunity in taking courses in change Management. FISH, Practical Coach and Situational Leadership are some of the courses I completed. I have worked side by side with the Human Resources and have trained out Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities with all of my employees. In conclusion Tina and Colleen are very passionate about supporting and empowering all employers and employees to make a better work place where everyone can grow develop and make great results in a safe positive environment Target Audience All Audiences (Maximum 25 People)
Impact on Human Trafficking By: Roberta Oshkabewisens To recognize the Human Dignity of Anishinaabe-Self and promote the well-being of all trafficked persons. To network with other groups, agencies, organizations, to prevent trafficking of persons and increase the protection of our young people. Our Goal-to prevent human trafficking and to protect ABSTRACT trafficked persons. Many of you young are gone missing and or murdered and this is one of the roads that our Anishinaabek get caught in, How does this happen? Why does this happen? Where does this happen? And who does this happen to? Many questions to be answered. Roberta Oshkawbewisens, Little White Buffalo Woman of the Bear Clan. She is a graduate of the Native Counsellor Training Program and worked in the Addiction and Social field linked with Education since then. Now working with Northern College, South Region Campus’ as an Advisor to Native BIOGRAPHY Students and Staff, district agencies, First Nation communities and other communities and is also a part- time First Nation Studies Professor. Roberta is a strong believer in that our traditional teachings guide us in a direction to enhance our Anishinaabe educational path. Target Audience All Audiences
What you need to know to heal yourself By: Catherin O’Connell Description and Definition of origin of Human Trauma. Short term trauma and long term effects of ABSTRACT Trauma Historic social, political and religious social structures that have and still practice and implement social policies and laws that continue to traumatize populations and human beings. I am a family therapist/psychotherapist and have been working within the field for the past thirty five BIOGRAPHY years. I have a great deal of diversity within my field and have worked from many different principles. My approach to healing is a combination of holistic and mainstream. I am an elder within my First
Nations communities. I was part of Health Canada's reconciliation program in Winnipeg assisting the individuals that were victimized within the Residential schools systems. I have worked with battered women and children for many years within the field. I was also a part of a pilot project for street youth and prostitution in the eighties including the aids program. I would summarize myself as a professional with divers and mature skills Target Audience All Audiences
Birch Bark Baskets By: Levi Duncan Birch bark basket making has been handed down from one generation to the next for a number of years. ABSTRACT It is a traditional skill that can be used as a counselling tool. Levi Duncan was a teacher at Muskrat Dam First Nation for 18 years and also served as Deputy Chief for 1 year. Then in 1993 he moved to Sioux Lookout to support his children as they went into their BIOGRAPHY secondary school studies. It was here that he was hired at Wahsa Distance Education Centre as an Education Counsellor and has been there for 20 years now. Target Audience All Audiences- Maximum of 10 Person in this session
Healing Ceremony By: Kahontakwas Diane Longboat This is a healing ceremony for our precious volunteers, workers and staff serving our Nations every day. You now have an opportunity for renewal and revitalization. Women please wear a long skirt. Please ABSTRACT inform the ceremony helpers if you are on your moon. Please abstain from alcohol if you are going to participate in this ceremony. All offerings and tobacco will be provided on your behalf. If you wish to bring your own, please do so. Kahontakwas Diane Longboat is a member of the Mohawk Nation, turtle clan, situated in Six Nations Grand River Territory, Canada. A ceremonial leader, educator, teacher of Indigenous spiritual ways and healer, Diane’s voice speaks to the heart of nation building for First Nations based on traditional teachings, spiritual guidance and the ancient messages of land. Diane has been involved in education for 40 years as a Builder, Teacher, University Lecturer and consultant in program design, research and culturally responsive education. She is the founder of the Office of Aboriginal Student Services and Programs at the University of Toronto and the principal in many research programs on the development BIOGRAPHY of First Nations jurisdiction over First Nations education. Her research in education with First Nations political organizations is known both nationally with the Assembly of First Nations and in the province of Ontario with the Chiefs of Ontario and the Ontario Native Education Counselling Association. Diane holds a Master’s Degree in Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. Most recently, Diane has been involved in the development, research and writing of First Nations education law template for First Nations Governments to exercise sovereignty and jurisdiction over lifelong learning. Spiritual wisdom is the catalyst for birthing innovation in all facets of her work for the design of new paradigms that support convergence and integration of knowledge systems. Target Audience All Audiences
Honouring our Strengths By: Mary Deleary The native wellness Framework was developed from conversations across 12 treatments Centre’s in the ABSTRACT National Native Alcohol and Drug abuse program and the National Youth Solvent Abuse program. The most important aspect of these conversations is that they were conversations about cultures using cultural
knowledge. Wellness from a Native perspective is a whole healthy person expressed through a sense of balance of body, mind, emotion and spirit. Central to wellness is belief in one’s connection to language, land, beings of creation, and ancestry, supported by a caring family and environment. Mary Deleary is Algonquin Anishnabe originating from Kitigan Zibi (Quebec). For Mary, a lifelong dedication to the pursuit of Indigenous knowledge and practice is grounded and nurtured through the Midewiwin “way of the heart”. Mary serves in leadership role with the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation providing expertise in Indigenous Knowledge Translation/Exchange and as the Office Manager. Mary came to this role from Nimkee Nupigawagan Healing Centre where she served as BIOGRAPHY Executive Director for four years, a youth solvent abuse treatment centre in the National Youth Solvent Abuse program. Mary also served a key role in “The honouring our Strengths :Indigenous Culture as Intervention in Addictions Treatment(Casl)” research project which has produced the Native Wellness Assessment, a strengths based, whole person instrument that measures the impact of culture in promoting wellness. Target Audience All Audiences
Indigenous Ways of Learning/Teaching By: Diane Hill Based on the cultural beliefs and practices of Aboriginal peoples’, the holistic model of learning/teaching ABSTRACT presented in this workshop will appeal to anyone who is interested in learning more about strategies and methods for teaching and developing the “whole person”. Katsitsawaks Diane Hill is a member of the Bear Clan, Mohawk Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, ON. She has been working as an Integrative Programs Consultant for the past 30 years. Her national and international consulting work is distinguished in the fields of social work, education and BIOGRAPHY Indigenous cultural studies. Diane is the director of the Ka’nikonhriyohtshera Healing Lodge & Learning Centre situated on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory and is also the program administrator for the R.E.A.L. School leadership development program (www.getrealschool.com). For more information, please visit: www.dianehill.net Target Audience All Audiences
Urban Indigenous Ways of Knowing: Engaging Indigenous Culture Through Technology By: Eddie Robinson Eddy approaches the topic of indigenous ways of Knowing through an urban lens grounded in the Indigenous methodology of locating on self. He also looks at how we can engage Indigenous ways of knowing through modern technology. When Anishinaabe (Ojibway) people locate themselves in the ABSTRACT language they are essentially locating their spirit to the universe. When in the city and we locate ourselves as Indigenous methodologies we are re-Indigenizing urban spaces. Eddy creates access points for the audience to engage in the conversation and draws attention to the impact An Anishinaabe Muskegowuk Cree of the Missanabie Cree First Nation born and raised in the city of Toronto. Eddy Robinson like a lot of Indigenous people in Canada did not enjoy an easy childhood as an Anishinaabe youth in the big city. His father a Residential School survivor left the family when he was just three years old subsequently endured years of abuse from an alcoholic parent leaving him to only understand the legacy of his father’s experience at Chapleau Indian Residential School and Shingwauk Indian Residential School in his adult years eventually ending up in the care of his BIOGRAPHY grandparents, Eddy found himself caught in the same cycle of violence and addiction that dominated his childhood. He credits a Catholic priest at the Native Peoples Parish located in Toronto for first encouraging him to seek out his roots. He pointed Robinson to a traditional Anishinaabe Vision Quest/Fasting held at “Dreamers Rock” located on Manitoulin Island, ON; that would imminently begin his journey towards understanding his Indigenous identity leaving behind the family legacy of abuse and violence over the past 25 years of working on the frontline of social services and advocating for
Indigenous communities locally, provincially and nationally Eddy has evolved into a noted Anishinaabe artist, musician, educator, facilitator, trainer and now speaker. He’s involved with numerous local district school boards, colleges, universities, corporate institutions and several Indigenous/Aboriginal organizations and currently travels across the country as a speaker. Target Audience All Audiences
Walk a Mile By: Ann Magiskan This workshop will present the case for professional development, using the Walk A Mile Film Project documentary films, to gain a baseline understanding of the history of events and Canada’s relationship with Indigenous Peoples and how that understanding can promote more positive relationships on a client and community basis. Many Canadians, whether they be Indigenous or not, have but a limited understanding and awareness of the history of the development of our country and its society and how that development has impacted Indigenous Peoples; and how those impacts continue today. ABSTRACT Using the Walk A Mile Film Project to stimulate conversations the workshop participants will begin to examine their own understanding of racism, treaty history, impacts of residential schools and colonial practices, the phenomenon of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and how deepening that understanding can affect their each of our roles in society today. The workshop will also challenge participants to look for opportunities to carry on the conversation beyond the conference, to their workplaces, and their communities.
Ann Magiskan- City of Thunder Bay Aboriginal Liaison, Ann brings to her position a very unique cultural and professional background. Ann is a member of Lac Suel First Nation she was born in Elliot Lake Township; from there she was raised in Red Lake Ontario until the age of 4 years old when she moved to Thunder Bay, Ontario. Throughout her life she has always had her feet planted in two cultures having been raised by her Acadian French Father and her Ojibwa Mother. Ann’s professional career is as diverse as her cultural background. Ann worked with the Ministry of Tourism at Fort William Historical Park where she started as a summer student after completing a Confederation College program in Book Keeping and Accounting. Ann stayed with FWHP from 1992 until 2009 as the Native Heritage BIOGRAPHY Program Coordinator. In 2009 Ann left the Park to accept a position with the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board as the Aboriginal Outreach Coordinator. In 2013 Ann accepted the position as the City of Thunder Bay Aboriginal Liaison. Ann shares her love of life with her husband Douglas of 28 years, her 3 adult children and her 3 grandchildren. Ann keeps her free time busy by giving back to the community through her volunteer work with the Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre for the past 18 years as a court diversion council member, reading anything she can get her hands on, sleep overs on weekends with her grandchildren and when she can doing beadwork and leatherwork. Ann keeps her family always around her as they help to maintain balance in her life.
Target All Audiences Audience
Mental Wellness and YOU By: Brian Nootchtai Brian will take you on a journey and show you how you have the tools within you to create your own ABSTRACT emotional wellness using the gifts that the creator has blessed you with. There is no need to look outside when you have everything you need in your own personal sacred bundle. Brian Nootchtai has been a mental health worker for more than 20 years and uses traditional knowledge BIOGRAPHY and teachings to support people on their personal journey to well-being Target Audience All Audiences
Working with Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder By: Julia Foster This interactive workshop will focus on working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ABSTRACT including an overview of ASD, impact in the classroom, strategies for working with students with ASD, and Applied Behavioural Analysis in the classroom.
Julia Foster is the coordinator for the Special Needs Opportunity Window (SNOW) project at the Inclusive Design Research Centre (IDRC) at OCAD University. SNOW includes resources such as the SNOW website on inclusive education and technology and workshops on working with students with various learning needs. Within the IDRC, Julia is also an occupational therapist and ADP authorizer for high-tech visual aids, which includes assessment and prescription of assistive technology for individuals with low vision/or blindness, including those who also have physical and/or cognitive limitations. Outside of the IDRC, Julia Foster is a sessional and adjunct lecturer in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education as well as the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto.
Erica Posthumus has been an Educational Assistant with the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District BIOGRAPHY School Board for over ten years, where she has worked closely with students who have a variety of learning needs, especially students with autism spectrum disorder. Erica recognizes the importance of trust, and successfully establishing relationships with students and their families that result in a safe and comfortable, yet challenging, learning environment. Although she has also worked with students with various of exceptionalities, Erica has specialized training in working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder and brings a wealth of experience from working with students and adults of various ages and across the spectrum. Outside of the school system, Erica has had the opportunity to take part in Special Olympics events from a coaching standpoint. She enjoys seeing her athletes grow not only in physical abilities, but socially as well. Erica also works with adults with autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities, supporting their participation in the community, learning job skills, and developing life skills to increase independence.
Target Audience All Audiences
Appreciating our Gifts through Personality Dimension By: Rae Anne Hill-Beauchamp This interactive “hands-on” workshop will include exploring the dynamic tool of “Personality Dimensions”. Participants will have an opportunity to experience this motivational assessment in an effort to explore not only their own unique qualities but also appreciate the differences and gifts in ABSTRACT others. This will be beneficial as we know diversity in the workplace along with the daily stress can sometimes be very challenging at times. Additional tools for working with students and their learning needs will also be covered in an effort towards building self-awareness and self-esteem to enhance our community strategies. Rae Anne is a Mohawk from Six Nations of The Grand River First Nation. She has worked at Mohawk College for the past thirty years and is currently, a Professor teaching within the Justice & Wellness Studies department. In addition over the past ten years she has worked part-time as a Site BIOGRAPHY Leader/Facilitator for Brock University’s Bachelor of Education Degree in Aboriginal Adult Education. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Adult Education and a Masters of Education Degree in School Counselling. Target Audience All Audiences
F.A.S.D By: Matt Sinclair Healing through self-empowerment and the knowledge of whom and what we really are, Human Development Counselling & Consulting Centre is here to help you make positive life changes. Our ABSTRACT experienced Sudbury counsellors believe the strongest principle of growth lies in the human choice. We utilize a holistic approach and strive to integrate the spirit, mind and body Tansi, My name is Matt Sinclair I’m from Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation located in Northern Saskatchewan. I have been living with FASD for the past 33 years. My experience in living with FASD has being a unique one with all the ups and downs in life. I was diagnosed at 6 months after birth. I was adopted and had great parents that raised me to what I am today. My education background and experiences with living with FASD are the following. I dropped out of high school in 1999. Then obtained my Medicine Wheel Counsellor Associate Level 2 @ Building A Nation Training Institute in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (2002). From there I obtain my Native Counsellor though Ontario Native Education Counselling Association. Recent graduate of the Post Graduate FASD Program @ Anishinabek Educational Institute with a partnership with Sault College. (2015). as well the winner of FASDONE Individual Award for all of Ontario. (2015) I have spoken at many conferences/presentations BIOGRAPHY in Algoma area and along the North Shore which include the following. North Shore Tribal Council Annual Conference as a Guest Speaker (2013), Indian Friendship Centre First Annual Conference as a Key Note (2014), Algoma District School Board presentation to the Educational Assistants board wide (2014), The AG7 in Sudbury on the panel for people living with FASD (2014), 2nd Annual Sault Ste. Marie IFC Conference (2015), Presentation for Sault College Native Social Service students (2015), Ministry Child and Youth Services Round tables (2015), Hamilton Regional Indian Friendship Centre(2015), Ministry Child and Youth Services Training (2015), AG7 Panelist (2015), Anishinabek Police Services & EMS paramedics (2016) As well the founder of Northern Ontario FASD Facebook group. As well sit and work with various of committees within Ontario and have done online pod casts with others living with FASD www.fasdraw.com. Target Audience All Audiences
Ka’nikonhriyohshera: Fostering Emergence of the Good Mind By: Diane Hill This workshop introduces participants to a model of wellness that bridges the Western/Allopathic model ABSTRACT of healing with the Indigenous/Multi-dimensional approach to wholeness. By explaining the “law of attraction,” the amazing spiritual capacities of our human bodies is revealed and understood. Katsitsawaks Diane Hill is a member of the Bear Clan, Mohawk Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, ON. She has been working as an Integrative Programs Consultant for the past 30 years. Her national and international consulting work is distinguished in the fields of social work, education and BIOGRAPHY Indigenous cultural studies. Diane is the director of the Ka’nikonhriyohtshera Healing Lodge & Learning Centre situated on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory and is also the program administrator for the R.E.A.L. School leadership development program (www.getrealschool.com). For more information, please visit: www.dianehill.net Target Audience All Audiences
Cowboys and Cowgirls
Date: Tuesday May 30, 2016 Bring your Cowboy Boots and hats Time: 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. PRESENTING:
Ezee Country with Special Guest Ruby John
(Fiddler)
Thank you to our 2016 Sponsors