Clayton Sandy

Sioux Valley Dakota First Nation & Visionary Educator

With 39 years in public service focused on Indigenous youth and school-to-work transitions, Clayton continues to lead in reconciliation through co-founding Circles for Reconciliation and advising organizations on best practices. Now, as part of the Turtle Island Project, he remains committed to educating both public and private sectors about authentic reconciliation and relationship-building.

Jeannie White Bird

Rolling River First Nation
A Sixties Scoop survivor, Jeannie’s journey from forced removal to cultural reclamation has inspired her community and her children alike. Living in Selkirk, Manitoba, she is dedicated to language reclamation, traditional teachings, and strengthening her Anishinaabe identity. She is an honoured member of the Thunderbird Sundance Family/Southshore Sagkeeng and strives to become fluent in Anishinaabemowin.

Hani Ataan Al-Ubeady

Hani Ataan Al-Ubeady
Community Activist & Cross-Cultural Specialist
Hani has dedicated over two decades to community activism and cross-cultural mental health. As co-founder of the Ethno-cultural Council of Manitoba, he pioneered Canada’s first Indigenous Orientation Tool Kit for the settlement sector. A certified counsellor, therapist, and regulated immigration consultant, Hani is driven to break down barriers and foster welcoming, truthful relationships between newcomers and Indigenous communities.

Lisa Aymont Hunter

Anishinaabe Grandmother & Cultural Networker
Rooted in ancestral ties to the St. Peter’s Reserve, Turtle Mountain, and Treaty 3 territory, Lisa helps Indigenous youth reclaim cultural knowledge and identity. As Ishkode Obimiwidoon (Indigenous Cultural Networker) for River East Transcona School Division, she promotes cultural protocols and supports staff in weaving authentic Indigenous perspectives into education. Her work is deeply guided by ceremony and Spirit.

Nan Fewchuk

Actor, Director & Educator

An accomplished actor, director, and educator, Nan has dedicated her career to uplifting Indigenous youth and bridging cultural understanding through the arts and education. For over twenty years, she taught drama at Garden City Collegiate in Winnipeg, co-founded the Indigenous youth group Neechisan, and led cross-cultural exchanges with Children of the Earth High School and Norway House.

Her passion for community connection has guided her work with the Indian and Métis Friendship Centre, Herzing College, West Central Women’s Resource Centre, Native Women’s Transition Centre, Villa Rosa, Peaceful Village, Manitoba Drama Youth Festival, and more. She has also supervised education students at Niji Mahkwa School and facilitated the Walls to Bridges Program, connecting incarcerated and campus students through the University of Winnipeg.

Beyond the classroom, Nan is a familiar face on stage and screen, performing with Rainbow Stage, Shakespeare in the Ruins, Sarasvàti Productions, and in Hallmark films like Project Christmas Wish and The Secret Ingredient. She is deeply grateful to work alongside her Turtle Island Project collective family, whose teachings and spirit inspire her daily.

Joseph E. Thompson

Pine Creek Band Member & Change Maker
Originally from Duck Bay, Manitoba, Joe has spent over 30 years driving change through employment equity, cultural awareness, and systemic reviews within both corporate and government sectors. A traditional dancer and lifelong learner of Indigenous culture and traditions, Joe believes that meaningful change only comes through courageous conversations and active involvement.