Conversations from the Southwestern Ontario First Nations & Inuit Cultural Practitioner Gathering

This episode features Liz Akiwenzie, Dr. Nicole Redvers, Pam Plain, Joanne Jackson, Glenna Jacobs, Toni Murphy, and R. Doug George, recorded at the Southwestern Ontario First Nations and Inuit Cultural Practitioner Gathering.

Liz Akiwenzie was raised in Chippewa of Nawash and lives in southwestern Ontario. She is Ojibway on her father's side and Oneida on her mother's side. Her spirit names are Nistangekwe (Understanding Woman) in Ojibway and Day^ya yut do La doe (She Who Reasons and Sees Both Sides) in Oneida. With over 40 years of learning in cultural ways of being, she is recognized as a Knowledge Keeper and Cultural Educator, supporting healing, education, and reconnection for individuals, families, and communities.

Dr. Nicole Redvers is a member of the Denı́nu Kų́ę́ First Nation in the Northwest Territories and serves as Associate Professor, Western Research Chair, and Director of Indigenous Planetary Health at Western University. She works nationally and internationally to advance Indigenous perspectives in human and planetary health research and practice. Nicole is the author of The Science of the Sacred: Bridging Global Indigenous Medicine Systems and Modern Scientific Principles.

Pam Plain, spirit name White Cedar Bark Woman, is Anishinaabe from Aamjiwnaang First Nation and Eagle Clan. She holds a Master of Social Work and has worked since 2006 in trauma, grief, child welfare, and mental health, grounding her practice in Indigenous worldviews and Two-Eyed Seeing. Since retiring in 2022, she offers private counselling and consulting services rooted in holistic and culturally based healing.

Joanne Jackson is Eagle Clan from Kettle & Stony Point First Nation and has spent many years learning from Elders and traditional healers. She is entrusted to conduct Indigenous healing practices and ceremonies and provides cultural teachings to support wellness journeys. Joanne holds a Master's degree in Social Work and has over 30 years of experience in counselling, crisis work, and community healing.

Glenna Jacobs is Ojibway and Pottawatomi from Bkejwanong Territory (Walpole Island), of the Crane Clan, with the Anishnaabe name Soaring Eagle Woman. Her lifelong journey in cultural healing, social work, and traditional practices led her to create community-based and private healing programs supporting Indigenous wellness. She now operates Nookmis Path to Reconnection, guiding individuals through trauma release and spiritual, emotional, and physical healing.

Toni Murphy is a Registered Nurse from Bkejwanong Territory (Walpole Island) and a lifelong advocate for Indigenous community health and well-being. She is President of the Southwest Home & Community Care Network Association, supporting healthcare services across more than 40 First Nations communities. Toni serves as a bridge between Indigenous and Western healthcare systems, embodying the principles of Two-Eyed Seeing.

R. Doug George is Potawatomi/Chippewa from Kettle & Stony Point First Nation and serves as Senior Program Manager of Traditional Healing at SOAHAC. With over 20 years of experience, he supports Anishnaabe wellness through culturally grounded healing programs and community engagement. Doug is dedicated to strengthening connections between traditional knowledge and contemporary healthcare in support of balance and reconciliation.

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