Master Spirit Builders

Maya Chacaby is Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) Beaver Clan from the Kaministiqua (Thunder Bay). Her family comes from Red Rock First Nation (Deschamps, Desmoulins, Delaronde) and Lake Nipigon region.

Maya is a sociology professor at York University and works in partnership with Nokiiwin Tribal Council to deliver Indigenous culture-based trauma-informed programs, workshops and training sessions for over five years. Maya has been delivering training sessions across the province for the last six years and has trained over 10,000 participants from District School Boards, Health Service Providers, Hospitals, Law Enforcement, Children's Aid, Municipal Leadership, Provincial Ministries and Tribal Councils. Maya in partnership with Nokiiwin Tribal Council and Glendon Campus of York University have just completed the first “train the trainer” of the Spirit Builder content and have certified more Master Spirit Builders to continue to get these teachings out in the world.

Executive Director / Governance Advisor, Nokiiwin Tribal Council

With nearly 13 years of service at the Nokiiwin Tribal Council, Audrey Gilbeau holds dual roles as Executive Director and Governance Advisor. Under the direction and support of the Board of Directors, Audrey works closely with the Management Team to provide strategic leadership, fostering a healthy workplace and guiding Nokiiwin in becoming a trailblazer in its commitment to creating a respectful and inclusive community.

In her role, Audrey supports the development of various programs and initiatives tailored to meet the unique needs of Nokiiwin's member First Nations, ensuring alignment with each community's governance context. As a Governance Advisor, she has facilitated training and provided valuable guidance to help these communities navigate their governance processes effectively.

Karen is a mixed bag of tricks, with Blackfoot/Welsh and Métis/Algonquin heritage. Born in the foothills of Alberta, everyday they miss the smell and the huge sky, but are extremely grateful to be welcomed on SON Territory, and to share experience with all the beings we share this beautiful land with.

They have lived experience of foster care involvement, homelessness and poverty, as well as a 40+ years involvement in the 2S-LGBTQQIAP+ community including work as a peer educator and mentor, community activist and community activator. Currently they work with Youth at M'Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre.

Karen feeds their spirit; with music, playing a variety of instruments, many forms of art and media, writing, gardening and sharing moments with community, friends and family.

Most comfortable working with: Youth, 2S-LGBTQQIAP+, Mixed Ancestry Folxs and people who love to express creatively.

Trina is a Mi'kmaq woman and community member of the We'koqma'q L'nue'kati, Nova Scotia. She is the proud daughter of the Late Keptin Alexander Joseph Michael and Mary Arlene Michael of We'koqma'q. Trina grew up in her home community her entire childhood until she moved to Fredericton NB to attend the University of New Brunswick to obtain her Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. She finished her degree in May 2000 and moved to Halifax to start her family and career.

Trina has extensive experience working in the Atlantic First Nation Communities in several capacities. She worked at Healing Our Nations as Program Manager for eight years, Capacity Development Advisor and Operations Officer at Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation in First Nation Housing for a total of 5 years, and most recently Housing and Infrastructure Policy Analyst at the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nation Chiefs Secretariat.

Trina started as Program Manager for the Community Infrastructure team with the Confederacy of Mainland Mikmaq (CMM) in October 2019 and have since gained significant knowledge on the housing and infrastructure that our communities currently face. Trina is committed to working with our CMM member communities to co-develop strategies related to but not limited to housing and infrastructure, emergency measures, and solid waste management which are driven by our member communities.

Loretta is a dedicated advocate for Indigenous women's rights and cultural preservation and is from the Ojibwa nation of Migisi Sahgaigan, Eagle Lake. Growing up in a vibrant community that honours deep-rooted traditions, Loretta has always been guided by the foundational teachings of her late mother.  Her mother's unwavering belief in the importance of preserving their language and culture served as an inspiration of hope and strength for Loretta, encouraging her to carry forward a legacy that honours their heritage.

The echoes of her mother's resilience through the trials of the residential school system resonate deeply. Her mother taught her that even in the face of adversity, there is beauty and goodness in every soul.  This philosophy has shaped Loretta's work, as she strives to ensure that Indigenous voices are amplified and respected in every arena, from community gatherings to provincial forums.

Loretta is a fierce proponent of cultural education, often organizing and leading workshops and initiatives that emphasize the significance of language revitalization and the arts.  Through storytelling, traditional crafts, and community dialogues, she empowers women to reclaim their narratives and participate actively in decision-making processes affecting their lives.

As a mentor herself, Loretta is committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders within her community, fostering an environment where young women feel valued and heard.  She firmly believes that when women unite and share their stories, they create ripples of change that can transform communities and inspire future generations. 

Loretta continues to weave the threads of her mother's teachings with modern advocacy, championing the need for justice, unity, and recognition of Indigenous women's invaluable contributions to society.  She stands as a testament to the strength of her ancestors and the boundless potential of her people, embodying resilience, hope, and the unwavering belief that every Indigenous voice matters.

Sandra Southwind is from the Bear Clan and is a registered band member of Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation in Northern Ontario. Sandra has extensive child welfare experience and has been an advocate for children for 35 plus years. Sandra is grounded in Anishnawbek values that assists communities in their responsibility to strengthen families for the safety and well being of Anisnawbek children. 

Sandra is a registered Social Worker and an Accredited Mediator and Child Protection Mediator with the Ontario Association for Family Mediation (OAFM). She sits on the Child Advocacy Committee for her community and is on the Board of Trustees for the Anishinabe Spiritual Centre at Anderson Lake. Sandra has a Master of Social Work, a Bachelor of Human Studies with a specialization in Psychology and Native Studies, and Diploma in Native Counseling Care Development with a specialization in Mental Health. She was an instructor for Laurentian University and currently she is a mediation coach for York University. Currently Sandra has her own consulting business called Mikinaak Consulting and Counseling which is 100% Indigenous owned. She is able to facilitate a number of workshops. Sandra provides one on one counselling for individuals who are struggling by focusing on the Medicine Wheel path to wellness (Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual). Sandra always keeps in mind the Seven Grandfather teachings of Love, Wisdom, Bravery, Truth, Humility, Honesty and Respect and adds her own with grandfather of Kindness.

I am Alison L. Elsner, and I currently live outside Regina, SK, on Treaty 4 territory. My spiritual and ancestral roots are deeply connected to the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, located on Treaty 6 territory in Saskatchewan. These connections are integral to my identity and drive my commitment to supporting Indigenous communities as they navigate intergenerational trauma, interpersonal violence, and addiction.

My journey has been profoundly shaped by my experiences as a Cree Indigenous woman who reclaimed my cultural identity later in life. The strength I draw from my ancestry fuels my passion for cultural revitalization and healing. My personal experiences have deeply informed my advocacy work, motivating me to address the historical trauma that affects our communities and to celebrate our cultural resilience.

I began my educational journey with a Bachelor's degree in Indigenous Social Work from the First Nations University of Canada. This was followed by a Master's degree in Social Work with a focus on Indigenous studies from Wilfrid Laurier University and Kenjgewin Teg. I was honored to receive the Anishnibaabe Aadziwin Distinction with my master's degree, which recognized my deep engagement with Indigenous languages, customs, and practices.

In my professional life, I apply a wholistic teaching philosophy that encourages critical thinking and dialogue about historical trauma, cultural resilience, and healthcare disparities within Indigenous communities. I have served on the Health Committee for the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation Health Center and the All Nations Hope Network, where I contributed to initiatives such as the Around the Kitchen Table program.

My interests span a wide range of areas including advocacy, Indigenous history, trauma recovery, cultural integration, and wholistic health. I am committed to continuous learning, which is evident from my pursuit of specialized certifications in Indigenous cultural competency, trauma-informed care, and Indigenous death doula training. I actively engage in research and education, aiming to address systemic barriers and promote Indigenous knowledge systems in healing practices.

Through my work, I strive to honor my heritage and support Indigenous communities in their journey toward healing and empowerment. My path is a testament to the strength and resilience that come from embracing and celebrating our cultural roots, and I am dedicated to fostering justice and well-being for our people.

She:kon,

Connie Spencer ionkiats, Kanien'keha:ka tanon Kiorhensha:ka, Tsi Tkaron:to nitewake:non Durham Region Kenakere.

October 2015 I started this amazing journey with Durham Mental Health Services as the Indigenous Community Outreach Worker.   Since that time I have had the privilege to pursue my passion to be active in the community and support self identified Indigenous youth, adults and their families by walking with them on their journey to wellness.  What fills my spirit is helping community members connect and build healthy and effective networks of community based supports that are culturally safe and appropriate.

I have worked front line in youth residential settings as well as community health promotion and am a Feather Carrier.   All of these have supported my own journey of re-connecting to culture as well as provided the platform to work alongside and support community agencies that service the local Indigenous community. 

Skennen

First and foremost I am a grandmother or Amma as my 3 beautiful grandchildren call me and they are Leland, Teddy and Elizabeth.  I have two wonderful children, I'm a proud mother to my daughter Laura who has an amazing partner and therefore I have an amazing son-in-law Bryan and I have a wonderful son Michael. I have been working since I can remember. I have worked mainly for First Nation organizations in many different capacities over the years. I have been providing facilitation services in various capacities over the past 30 years with a focus on strategic planning. 

I'm now retired and am fully prepared to travel and assist in delivering the Cultural Competency Through Trauma Informed Training program as a Spirit Builder.  Since I'm still learning at this time I would like to continue being an assistant.  I do better in person as opposed to on-line training but am adaptable. 

I am appreciative of Nokiiwin Tribal Council and Maya Chacaby for the opportunity learn, experience and deliver this training which will help us go forward into the future in the best way possible.

Shannon Van Every identifies as a Tuscarora woman that has been adopted into the Bear Clan from Six Nations of the Grand River: acknowledging her father's Mohawk Turtle family.  Her family lineage also has matrilineal connections with Mississauga of the Credit, Anishnawbek Nation.  Shannon has lived on the Northshore of Lake Huron for the last 8 years with her 2 teenage sons who are registered with the Serpent River First Nation.  Shannon's enjoys hiking and gardening at her home in Blind River, Ontario.  Shannon has been working with a Cultural Department within a local Indigenous Child Welfare Family and Community Services for the past 7 years.  The last 5 years focused on development and facilitation of a 4-day” land-based” Anishinaabe Aadziwin Pathways Training, which explores culturally safe, and trauma informed social work practices.

Topics include:

• Understanding Indigenous Worldviews and teachings from Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee perspectives.
• The importance of Story telling and how they are the foundation of understanding who we are as Indigenous peoples.
• Facilitation of training within circle format.
• Exploring “Our Story” (aka the Long Remembering/Historical Timeline) and the affects that we see today.
• Understanding the difference between healing, self care and faux self care.

Type of Training:

• I enjoy face to face training vs online training however, I am very capable of facilitating an engaging online environment.
• One-on-one sessions or facilitate large groups
• Preferred Participants: frontline workers and community

Travel

• I am willing to travel within a 300 km radius of my location (Blind River, ON)

Personal areas for growth:

•  Anishinaabemowin Language

Cheryl Fort, Mayor of the Township of Hornepayne always has called Northern Ontario home. Cheryl completed courses through Distance Education at the University of Windsor and Athabasca University.  Cheryl studies commerce while focussing on communication. For 19 years Cheryl has worked for Canadian National Railway, currently a Locomotive Engineer Compliance and Training Manager.  Cheryl is the mother of three grown children, two have follow in her foots steps at Canadian National and one an author.  Cheryl is an avid volunteer with 28 years experience.   She has served as a town councillor, school board trustee, library board chair, hospital board member and Royal Canadian Legion Youth Education Chair.  Cheryl is the first female and Indigenous Mayor to be elected in Hornepayne. While working as both Mayor and at CN, she is a First Vice President for the Ontario Good Roads Association (Good Roads), is the Chair of the Hornepayne Housing Corporation and is the Vice Chair of the Algoma District Municipal Association.  Cheryl is a servant-leader and a strong advocate for change.

Cheryl would like to see prosperous and thriving communities and people.  She has a very deep understanding of the challenges that Indigenous Peoples face to heal and to live fully.

Erin (she/her) is a settler and the only non-Indigenous Master Spirit Builder working alongside so many powerful individuals, she is honoured to have been welcomed into their circle. After earning her Bachelor of Arts and Education at Lakehead University in 2014, her path led to Wunnumin Lake First Nation, where she lived and taught for five years. There, she was welcomed with profound kindness and trust—learning deeply from Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Language Speakers, and community members.

Now based in Thunder Bay and raising her family, Erin brings her heart back into the work through Nokiiwin Tribal Council, where she is the Education Advisor. As Biskaabiiyaang Project Coordinator and Spirit Builder Coordinator, she holds strong relationships with community and school partners across the territory. Erin knows her role: she is a helper, an ally, and a respectful listener. She shares what's hers to share and supports where her presence is needed most—always with humility, gratitude, and care.