Speakers
“Miyopimatisowin” – To live a good life that is balanced and in
connection to family, community, culture, land, identities, and cosmos.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Monday
Monday Key Notes 9: 20 AM – noon |
Keynote #1 – *Dr. Esther Tailfeathers – Indigenous Knowledge & Culture in Community Addiction Care and Action – Dr. Esther Tailfeathers knew from an early age that medicine was her calling. “As a teenager, I worked as candy striper in the Cardston Hospital,” recalls the family physician. She is a changemaker in Indigenous health, she works to increase access for Indigenous peoples across the province while making care safer and more culturally appropriate. In Kania First Nations she has led health care and addiction workers in their approach to addiction in radically different ways adopting their culturally informed and integrated approach. Their journey is documented in the NFB film “Kimmapiiyipitssini – The meaning of Empathy” – giving kindness to each other that supports their work to help their community heal and live the good life that was written, directed and produced by her daughter Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers https://www.nfb.ca/film/kimmapiiyipitssini-the-meaning-of-empathy/ This film has been an important starting point for building this Gathering.
Keynote #2 – Marlene Orr – NCSA Resiliency Model & Supporting Staff Wellness during the Opioid Crisis and COVID – Marlene Orr is the Chief Executive Officer of Native Counselling Services of Alberta and former Executive Director of Stan Daniels Healing Center. A member of the Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Marlene worked within the justice and correctional systems for many years as a Court worker, Probation Officer, Parole Officer, Aboriginal Liaison Officer, and Aboriginal Program Officer. Leaving the field of Human Services, Marlene had many successful years in businesses that were non-traditional for women. Returning to Native Counselling Services, Marlene utilizes her work experiences, traditional lifestyle experience growing up and personal commitment to Indigenous ceremony to further the healing of Indigenous men at Stan Daniels Healing Center. Marlene will share her vison that guides this Gathering.
Monday Break-out Sessions: 1:00–2:15pm |
Break-out Session #1 – Alberta’s Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (https://vodp.ca/0) and Addiction Recovery and Community Health Program (ARCH – Royal Alexandra Hospital)
Dr. Grady Gibson MD CCFP ISAM. Medical Director, VODP, works in various addiction roles including Inpatient addiction treatment, acute care consultation services, and has been involved in the development and expansion of VODP and VODP – First Nation partnerships.
The Addiction Recovery and Community Health (ARCH) Team- A multidisciplinary service that strives to improve health outcomes and health care access for patients with substance use disorder. This team delivers specialty consult services to emergency department patients and hospital inpatients at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. Peer Support workers, referrals to their Indigenous cultural care team and current collaboration with community members with lived experience, Indigenous Informed care (perinatal and Indigenous Health Action Committee) are some of their ongoing efforts to provide culturally sensitive care for Indigenous people.
ARCH Members:
Chris Cardinal joined the ARCH Team in Feb 2018, as a Peer Support Worker, one who uses their own lived experience and recovery, to support the clients we serve. Chris, served in the non-profit sector in various roles for 10 years, helping the vulnerable, especially in the inner city, is what still drives his passion of staying in a support role.
Harriet Halse is a Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in Mental Health and Addictions. She has both a psychology degree and nursing degree from the University of Alberta. She has worked in Mental Health and addictions with both children and adults in a variety of settings, both inpatient and in the community.
Currently, she holds a position as a Nurse Practitioner at the Addiction Recovery and Community Health (ARCH) team at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton. Her philosophy is to provide holistic care to individuals to empower them to obtain improved happiness and healthiness.
Break-out Session #2 – *Culture’s Role in Healing for People Recovering from Hard Drug Use.
Cheryl Currie, Associate Professor Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge is an addictions researcher who has published studies on the role of Indigenous cultures and traditions in addiction prevention and healing. Guest: *Treena Tallow is an Advisor, Indigenous Addiction and Mental Health, Lethbridge, AB Indigenous Health Core – Alberta Health Services.
Breakout Session #3 – *kihcihkaw askî (Sacred Land) Urban Indigenous Culture & Wellness Centre – Lewis Cardinal, Project Manager – how can this centre support the healing of urban Indigenous people who use substances.
Break-out Session #4 – “Not Just Naloxone” Program and Naloxone Training (2 sessions
*First Nations Health Authority, Red Cross Harm Reduction & Safety and Community Based Naloxone Program, Harm Reduction Services, AHS
The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is the health and wellness partner to over 200 diverse First Nations communities and citizens across BC. In 2013, the FNHA began a new era in BC First Nations health governance and health care delivery by taking responsibility for the programs and services formerly delivered by Health Canada. Since then, the FNHA has been working to address service gaps through new partnerships, closer collaboration, health systems innovation, reform and redesign of health programs and services for individuals, families, communities, and Nations. The FNHA is also a champion of culturally safe practices throughout the broader health care system. Taking a leadership role, the FNHA actively works with its health partners to embed cultural safety and humility into health service delivery and improve health outcomes for First Nations people.
Jodie Millward is Metis from Treaty 8 territory living now in the traditional territory of the Stó: lō Nation in southwest BC. Jodie works as the Director of Health Emergency Management with FNHA and is a passionate advocate for harm reduction, human rights and taking care of our lands and waters.
Terri Gillis is a settler from Treaty 6 in central Alberta now living in the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations in Vancouver, BC. Terri works as one of three project managers on the Toxic Drug Response Team with FNHA where she is committed to keeping people alive through harm reduction practices.
Amy Woroniuk is a member of the Community Based Naloxone Program, Harm Reduction Services, AHS
Break-out Session #5 – Brain Health and Resilience in the prevention of long-term mental health and addictions. (Part 1) Claire Niehaus & Jenna Hille
Claire Niehaus is a Scientific Associate with the Palix Foundation. She is a graduate from the University of Lethbridge having received her MSc in Behavioral Neuroscience under the supervision of Dr. Robbin Gibb. An active member of her community, she volunteers with Let’s Talk Science and Building Brains Together and serves as a director on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lethbridge and District. Claire joined the Palix Foundation in the summer of 2022 and is passionate about applying her skills and knowledge to build resilience within her community.
Monday Break-out Sessions: 2:30–4:00pm |
Break-out Session #1 – *Lived Experience, Recovery, Entrepreneur and Giving Back to Community
Curtis Cardinal is the owner and operator of Tee Pee Treats in Edmonton (some of the best Bannock in the city). He has big dreams for his business but always keeps himself grounded in his culture, with his family and community. While he no longer is a crisis worker on the 24/7 Crisis Diversion Program or a support worker at Ambrose place in Edmonton’s inner city, he coordinates a monthly community event called “TEE PEE TREATS GIVING BACK TO THE STREETS” to support those who are living and surviving on the streets of Edmonton. https://teepeetreats.com/
Break-out Session #2 – *Addiction Prevention Research
Cheryl Currie, Associate Professor Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge (See presenters’ information above).
Break-out Session #3 – *Indigenous Wellness Coordinator
*Beatrix Masse – “Finding the Pieces” A Cree woman shares on how she navigates the health care system using her own healing journey 🦅
Break-out Session #4 – “Not Just Naloxone” Program and Naloxone Training
*First Nations Health Authority, Red Cross Harm Reduction & Safety and Community Based Naloxone Program, Harm Reduction Services, AHS (see presenters’ information above).
Break-out Session #5 – Brain Health and Resilience in the prevention of long-term mental health and addictions. (Part 2) Claire Niehaus & Jenna Hille (see presenters’ information above).
Tuesday
Tuesday KEYNOTE(S) – 9:00 AM – Noon |
Keynote – Combining Indigenous Knowledge with Western Medical Practice to support people who use substances in Recovery and Healing.
Dr. James Makokis (he/him) is a Nehiyô (Neh-hee-yo) two-spirit physician hailing from the Onihcikiskapowinihk (Saddle Lake Cree Nation) in Treaty 6 Territory. He practices Family Medicine in Kinokamasihk (Kih-no-kum-a-sick) Cree Nation in northeastern Alberta and runs a transgender health-focused practice in South Edmonton. He was the inaugural Medical Director of Shkaabe Makwa (Shkaa-bay Muh-kwa) at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto—the first Indigenous health center designed to lead systems’ transformation in Indigenous mental health across the country. He is also an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Alberta.
In 2019, Dr. Makokis, competed alongside his husband Anthony Johnson, as “Team Ahkameyimok” (Ah-ka-may-mook), which translates to “Never Give Up” in Cree, on the Amazing Race Canada and won becoming the first two-spirit, Indigenous, married couple in the world to do so. Dr. Makokis is passionate about revitalizing the Nehiyô medical system, educating people about Treaty. His overarching vision is for a united Turtle Island, is to live together in peace and friendship.
Anthony Johnson (he/him), a self-proclaimed spiritual nomad from the Navajo Nation in Arizona, is an artist, poet, photographer, cultural documentarian, public speaker, and strategic analyst whose mission in life is to explore the beauty of the Earth and its inhabitants. After graduating from Harvard in 2009 with an Economics degree, he has worked in tech industry, fashion world and project consulting. Anthony currently works as a Project Coordinator in Kehewin Cree nation where he is helping to revitalize Traditional Cree birthing practices, medicines, and ceremonies as they relate to Cree 7 Stages of Life philosophy. He is an aspiring film maker who believes in the power of stories to bring healing.
Tuesday Break-out Sessions: 1:00pm – 2:15pm |
Break-out Session #1 – Indigenous Gang Research and Practice Implications for Restoring Identity
Presenters Info: Robert Henry, PhD, is Métis from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and is an Associate Professor at the University of Saskatchewan in the Department of Indigenous Studies and holds a Canada Research Chair Tier II Indigenous Justice and Wellbeing. Robert’s research areas include Indigenous street gangs and gang theories, Indigenous masculinities, Indigenous and critical research methodologies, youth mental health and visual research methods. Working closely with community partners, Robert works to create knowledge mobilization outcomes that reflect community needs and wants.
Breakout Session #2 – *Maskwacis 24/7 Mental Health Mobile Team
Steve Skakum is the Community Initiatives Manager at Maskwacis Ambulance Authority and manages the MMMH. He has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Calgary. For over 30 years he has worked in a variety of roles for the Cree people of Maskwacis Territory. He, along with a cultural team, designed and developed the Maskwacis Cultural College Social Work Diploma which is accredited and transferrable to university programs in Alberta. He also provided consultant services to the Federal Government mental health teams in Alberta. Gayle Lighting is the program manager for Maskwacis Mobile Mental Health (MMMH). Gail is from the Neyaskweyahk/Ermineskin Cree Nation; born and raised in Maskwacis, Treaty 6 Territory. She has a background in social work, with 18 years full time employed at MMMH for 2 years and very much enjoys seeing people overcome the difficulties they face, grow stronger and increase their resilience.
Breakout Session #3 – *Ceremonial Support for Healing from Addictions
Elder Howard Mustus SR. and Elder Phyllis Mustus are Elders from the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation. Elder Howard Mustus is the former Chief of Alexis Nakota Sioux nation; he is presently the chair of kihciy askiy’s Counsel of Elders.
Breakout Session #4 – Ambiguous Loss, Grief & Hope” Part 1 Rocky Ward is a Metis from the Lac La Biche area. Her Spirit name is Leader of the Birds. Rocky is a proud Social Worker and works in the capacity of the Program Manager for the Indian Residential School Health Support Program, through Native Counselling Services of Alberta, here in Edmonton. She has been working with former students and family members since 2004.
Breakout Session #5 – Building collaborations and partnership to bring people together and keep working together on community issues including strategies to address the drug crisis. (Part 1)
Shari Hanson (Community Development Unit Alberta Arts, Culture and Status of Women
(Government of Alberta) with guests Barb Barclay (RSW) Native Counselling Services of Alberta Southern Regional Manager & Mike Schoenthal Native Counselling Services of Alberta Coordinator Community Engagement and Partnership Edmonton.
Tuesday Break-out Sessions: 2:30 pm – 4:00pm |
Break-out Session #1 – Indigenous Engagement Platform – supporting resource equity and access by prioritizing First Nations, Inuit, Metis and Urban Indigenous perspectives on substance use research.
Robert Henry, PHD (See presenter information above).
Breakout Session #2 – *Maskwacis 24/7 Mental Health Mobile Team
Steve Skakum & Gayle Lighting (See presenters’ information above).
Breakout Session #3 – *Ceremonial Support for Healing from Addictions
Elder Howard Mustus SR. & Elder Phyllis Mustus are Elders from the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation. Elder Howard Mustus is the former Chief of Alxis Nakota Sioux nation; he is presently the chair of kihciy askiy’s Counsel of Elders.
Breakout Session #4 – Ambiguous Loss, Grief & Hope” Part 2
Rocky Ward (See presenter information above).
Breakout Session #5 – Building collaborations and partnership to bring people together and keep working together on community issues including strategies to address the drug crisis. (Part 2) Shari Hanson with guests Barb Barclay & Mike Schoenthal (See presenters’ information above).
Wednesday
Wednesday Break-out Sessions 1:00pm – 2:15pm |
Breakout #1 Marilyn Buffalo is the CEO of NECHI Institute: Centre of Indigenous Learning 50ty years of training addiction counsellors based in ancestors traditional knowledge and practices.
Breakout #2*Urban and Away Framework for Building Integrated Health Strategies.
Wayne Wallace is a descendant of the Wolastoqey Nation and a member of the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation with First Nation and French family roots in northwestern New Brunswick. During his time with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), he supported and led several projects and initiatives including the responses to the 2017 and 2018 BC wildfires crisis; co-led planning, development, and delivery of two Health and Wellness Summits; FNHA’s response to the COVID pandemic; and, led work in support of the urban and away-from-home population including the research, development and implementation of the Away-from-Home Health and Wellness Framework (FNHA). He is presently the Director, Urban and Away from Home, Health Benefits and Services at the FNHA.
Breakout #3 Rapid Access to Opioid Treatment: Stoney Health Services Harm Reduction Program and Development. Lyndsay Nycholat is an RN and the Manager of Community Based Mental Wellness Programs Stoney Health Services. TBA
Breakout #4 & #5 AHS –The Indigenous Addiction and Mental Wellness Plan (IAMW).
Randal Bell is a member of the Montreal Lake Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, and the son of a residential school survivor. Randal is currently employed by Alberta Health Services as the senior advisor for Addiction and Mental Health at the Provincial Indigenous Wellness Core. He has managed multiple projects exploring Indigenous Addiction and Mental Health service needs and recently led the development of the Indigenous Addictions and Mental Wellness Strategy for Alberta. Randal is a member of the AHS Diversity and Inclusion Council, and as a member of the Anti-Racism Advisory Group, Randal was instrumental in writing the AHS Anti-Racism Position Statement. Randal has held various social care and health management positions in Saskatchewan, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Alberta. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and is finishing his Master of Public Health at the University of Alberta. Randal is also the principal consultant of MacKenzie Indigenous Solutions. When he is not working, studying, or consulting, Randal is on adventures with his wife Liv, and their daughter MacKenzie.
Lori Meckelborg – Director – Performance, Impact and Measurement – AHS – Indigenous Wellness Core – Provincial Clinical Excellence