Facilitator

Click on names for picture and bio.

Linda Cairns has 55 years’ experience as an educator and facilitator. She taught school In Red Earth and St. Louis and worked for CMHA SK. Region as their Director of Friends for Life.

For 16 years, she was the Embrace Life Coordinator for Prince Albert Grand Council in northern Saskatchewan where she worked with 12 First Nations to build a strategy to prevent suicide by developing many programs that promote and protect life amongst the youth and young adults.

Over the last 18 years she has facilitated over 400 workshops to over 7000 people. Topics included Life is Sacred, ASIST, safeTalk, Mental Health First Aid, Grief, leadership skills, community development, community safety, youth empowerment, and land based healing, lateral violence, She also developed youth programming , HOT Program for adults, and response to crisis using CISM and additional after care initiatives.

She has been proud to be involved with the Embrace Life Initiative since its inception and looks forward to witness and share the growth in responding to the need for training and resources and we promote and protect LIFE which includes the Embracing Life App.

Angela Carter is the CEO of Ka-Na-Chi-Hih Treatment Centre.  She holds a Masters in Social Work and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Indigenous Public Health Policy.

Pamela Charlong, a member from the Gesgapegiag First Nation, exemplifies resilience and dedication to community service. With over two decades of experience, Pamela has been a beacon of hope and transformation for the youth of Northern Quebec communities, focusing on addiction, mental health, and First Nation youth intervention. As an Executive Director at Centre Walgwan Center, she oversees operations, vision, and financials, having earned honorable mentions from Accreditation Canada and worked towards incorporating land-based healing and family programming.

Her journey began from a challenging childhood, which, coupled with the guidance of inspiring mentors, shaped her into a resilient and compassionate individual. Pamela holds a Bachelor’s degree through accumulated certificates and is a certified addiction expert with the Indigenous Certification Board of Canada. Her commitment is further highlighted through her roles in various boards and organizations, advocating for mental wellness, policy change, and community engagement.

Pamela’s work, deeply rooted in her culture and connection to the land, aims to foster hope, meaning, purpose, and belonging among the youth and their families, reflecting the profound cultural practices of the First Nation communities. Her collaborative efforts in research and advocacy at national levels underscore her unwavering commitment to improving mental health and substance use service delivery within Indigenous contexts.

Ki?su?k kyukyit, Hu qakik_, Hun ?ini_

I work as Outreach Coordinator for White Buffalo Treatment Centre (WBTC) located 15 minutes east of Prince Albert Saskatchewan. I hold my CACII and Life Is Sacred Train the Trainer certification. Having worked in Social Work for 23 years now, I have had the pleasure of working in many First Nations Communities across Northern Canada with special interest in building capacity for First Nations peoples through Harm Reduction, Addiction Awareness and Suicide Intervention/Prevention groups. I look forward to being a part of capacity building in your community!

Matt Ireland is an Educator, and Lifelong learner. As tutor at Nimkee Nupigawagan, he shares knowledge and guidance with the youth participants drawn from 10 years as Hereditary Chief for the Wolf Clan, 10 years in conventional Education, and parsing of Anishinaape and Oneida Languages that has been certified to teach.

Matt believes in life promotion for any age, but resonates with the youth as many of the messages he carries from the ancestors are the specific medicine needed to help them overcome their struggles with identity and discovery.

Karen is a member of the Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation. Her education includes a Bachelor of Administration degree, First Nations Health Manager Certification, and Professional Director designation.

Karen’s work experience includes many years of working with non-profit organizations, a Crown Corporation, a Personal Care Home, and 15 years as the former Executive Director of Leading Thunderbird Lodge – a residential youth treatment facility. Karen’s current position is as Associate Executive Director for YSAC.

Karen recently came on as a Facilitator for the Life is Sacred Suicide Prevention training program, as she too has lost many family members and friends to suicide. Karen values family and is a mother of 3 adult children, and kunshi to 4 grandchildren. 

Born and raised in the picturesque coastal town of New Richmond, Quebec, I am the eldest son in a multicultural family, blending both French and English heritage. My professional journey spans over 15 years, during which I’ve held diverse roles as a Team Leader/Trainer in telecommunications, fundraising, and political organizations. However, it was my tenure at Walgwan where I found my true calling.

Beginning in 2018, I embraced various roles within the organization, transitioning from night shifts to daytime responsibilities. Alongside my work, I pursued higher education, earning a degree in Addiction Studies from McMaster University, which deepened my commitment to wellness care. Since the Fall of 2023, I’ve served as the Program Coordinator at the Walgwan Center, where I’m dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

Beyond my professional pursuits, I’m passionate about computers, electronics, and indulging my inner handyman through home renovations. Family time is precious to me, and I cherish moments spent barbecuing at home with my blended family, which includes two daughters, two sons, and our four-legged friends: four cats and a guinea pig. Inspired by a transformative friendship with an Indigenous individual during my youth, I’ve cultivated a profound interest in learning about First Nations cultures, enriching both my personal and professional life journeys. This passion drives me to actively participate in various First Nations ceremonies and events, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the traditions and heritage.

Sean Moore has been part of the Ka-Na-Chi-Hih organization since 2016. Sean started his career at Ka-Na-Chi-Hih as a frontline worker while completing his honors bachelor’s degree in psychology and gerontology. Sean acquired his HBA in 2018 and continued to pursue a primary and junior Education degree which he completed in 2020. Throughout 2020-2024, Sean worked in a few different positions at Ka-Na-Chi-Hih. Sean has experience fulfilling intake, case management, and staff training development duties. At the end of 2023, Sean accepted the role of director of Treatment Services for Ka-Na-Chi-Hih Healing lodges. Sean is passionate in developing and implementing exemplary healing services that supports First Nation youth, adults, and families in their healing journeys. In Sean’s downtime, he enjoys spending time outside, joking around with his wife, camping, cheering for the Calgary Flames and Minnesota Vikings, and catching up on his favourite TV shows and videogames during the winter season.

Lisa has a Mental Health & Addictions Diploma from SIIT.  Currently, she is in the position of Continuity of Care Provider with PAGC Holistic & Wellness Centre.  Lisa loves to cook, travel, get  together with family & friends, campfires, pow-wows, concerts, and big events. 

Lisa also loves being a helper to the people.  Lisa facilitates courses such as: Grief & Loss – Edu Therapy; Domestic Violence; Teen Dating and Healthy Relationships; Life is Sacred; Talking Circles; CISM Debriefing.

Lisa also provides presentations on: Domestic Violence; Grief & Loss; Suicide Prevention/Life Promotion; Responsible Gambling; One on One counselling to clients through referrals from the hospital, walk ins at the PAGC Holistic Health & Wellness Centre and/or over the telephone.

Kelsea Sinclair is a Registered Indigenous Social Worker and a Registered Mental Health Provider. Kelsea obtained a bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Social Work in 2022 and shortly after began working toward the completion of a second bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Studies. Kelsea is originally from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Manitoba but has been residing in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan for the past 11 years.  Kelsea is currently employed as the Mental Health Care Provider with the Prince Albert Grand Council Holistic Wellness Centre, taking on the team lead role of the Crisis Response Team. Kelsea is proud to be a trained facilitator in the YSAC Life is Sacred Community Suicide Prevention program. Her reason for becoming a facilitator in the Life is Sacred program is driven by both personal experience and wanting to ensure that culturally appropriate interventions are applied as needed when working with First Nations Peoples.

Hello, my name is Melvin Taypotat, and I am of Cree descent from Kahkewistahaw First Nation in Saskatchewan. I been working with Leading Thunderbird Lodge youth treatment center since 2012, in various capacities, starting as a casual Youth Care Worker, moving to a full-time certified Counsellor position, and now as Outreach/Intake Worker.

In 2014, YSAC brought together a team of First Nation and Inuit treatment centre staff to create this training program, and I am honored to have been selected as a Facilitator.  I have delivered this training program since October 2014 to various First Nation communities around Saskatchewan.  My involvement with the Life is Sacred training program has also allowed me to travel nationally and internationally in promoting this important program.

My passion for what I do is a direct reflection of my past, as I have lost several friends and family members to suicide.  I am an advocate for suicide prevention training as it is my hope that this program will help others from experiencing the grief and loss caused by suicide.   My goal for this suicide prevention training is that all communities, schools, and leadership can take the training to prevent further suicides, as it really does take an entire community to make an impact and create change.

Dave Trudel is the Director of Care and comes from Northern Ontario with over 30 years in Mental Health and Addictions experience.  Dave have been part of several fly in crisis teams for Northern Ontario First Nation Communities. Dave has worked for a National Residential Treatment Centre for several years working with First Nations, Innu and Inuit communities. He has presented workshops throughout Canada, and the United States. He has taught at Fanshawe College and Anishinabek education institute part-time. Received a community innovations award for his work for Suicide Intervention and has appeared on Rogers TV and CBC radio for his work in the community on Mental Health, Addictions and Suicide Intervention.  Dave has a passion for learning and continues to seek knowledge through cultural teachings and incorporating into his daily life.  Presently sits on London Police Board of Directors Mental Health and Addictions Advisory Panel.

Cathy is Woodland Cree member of Lac La Ronge Indian Band in Northern Saskatchewan. Cathy’s Cree mother was born and raised on the land and spoke only Cree until she attended Indian residential school. Cathy’s parents married after meeting at the La Ronge fish-plant. Cathy has learned basic Cree, participates in ceremonies, sings Cree songs and dances pow wow. Cathy teaches workshops in coping skills, suicide intervention, grief/loss and trauma, addictions and stigma in mental health.  She has been a director, manager, university instructor and policy analyst. Cathy did not finish high school. She attended upgrading in La Ronge and now has a bachelor degree and a Masters degree in Northern Governance and Development. Cathy has been working full-time in suicide prevention since 2018. Cathy’s favorite sport is exploring islands on Lac La Ronge on her paddle board.

“Take it. It really helps in understanding the issues that have caused (or lead to cause) suicide. Knowing these causes give understanding.”