Corinne is a proud Cree Métis woman (Dog Rib Rae, Treaty 11), originally from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. For the past 17 years, she has felt blessed to live and work on Treaty 7 territory. Passionate about Indigenous awareness and advocacy, Corinne serves as Chair of the Pokaiks Reconciliation Society, Co-Lead of Cenovus’ Indigenous Employee Network, an IndigeSTEAM board member, and a Kairos Blanket Exercise (KBE) facilitator. She holds a Master of Science degree and works as a Contractor Management Specialist, bringing over 20 years of Health & Safety experience in the oil & gas and mining industries. Corinne is an avid crafter and the proud owner of Métis Inspirations, a small business specializing in laser-etched bead boards and KBEs. She is a devoted mother to her son John and dog mom to Buddy.
Marilyn is Saulteaux First Nation and was born in Kamsack, Saskatchewan. She belongs to the Cote Nation in Treaty 4 Territory. Marilyn and many of her family members, including her mother and her siblings were all forced to go to Residential School. First hand, Marilyn understands the impacts of the Residential School System and has devoted her career by educating others while using her personal journey. Based in Calgary and area, she is facilitates and trains through workshops and ceremonies. Marilyn is a respected Elder, Wisdom and Knowledge Keeper.
Joyce is a member of the Kainai First Nation, which is part of the Blackfoot Confederacy. She teaches Blackfoot language and introduction to native studies at Lethbridge College. Sparked by a deep passion to keep the stories of the Blackfoot peoples alive and relevant, Us san gah gee/Joyce Marie Healy is driven to continue teaching Blackfoot culture and language as a post-secondary instructor and Indigenous relations consultant. Embracing her role as an emerging elder, she continues to learn from her elders to ensure the rich history, culture and language are maintained.
Jamie (ikkinaanskakii) is a proud member of the Metis Nation of Alberta. Jamie is from Mohkinstsis. She is Dutch on her dad's side and Metis and Blackfoot on her mom's. Her Metis family names are Vandal, Henry, Laderoute, Lucier and Brabant from the Red River Settlement in Manitoba and later northern Alberta. Her Blackfoot family name is Munroe from Two Medicine River in Montana. She is an active volunteer in the Metis community and spends her spare time connecting to culture through traditional arts such as beading, tufting, quillwork, and moccasin and capote making.
Gwe', Ni'n Teluisi Wanda Rose. Tleyawi Stephenville, NL pasna wiki Mohkinsstsis. I am of French and Mi'kmaq heritage. Graduated from Dalhousie University as an Animal Health Technologist. Moved to Calgary 33 years ago from Halifax, NS. Started with the City of Calgary 28 years ago as an Animal Health Tech and then worked as a supervisor for 311 and decided to stay for 21 yrs. I am now enjoying working with Arts & Culture with a great group of people. In my spare time I love spending time with my three teens, husband and 2 Siberian cats. I have been involved with non for profit organizations for a number of years building relationships. I love travelling, camping, hiking, horseback riding and cycling. I also travel to NL every year to be with my friends and family. My passion is to learn everything I can about the Indigenous world views and build relationships with my Mi'kmaw family and all Indigenous Peoples.
Oki Niisto annakok Sipiyaki (Night Woman) Nitomohtoto Siksika; Hello My name is Marla Wolf Leg I am a Proud Blackfoot member from the Siksika Nation, I am single mother of 3 adult children whom I raised on my own and a proud new grandmother of one baby girl, I have been living in the city of Calgary for the past 12 years, I currently sit on the Calgary Aboriginal Urban Advisory Committee with the City of Calgary as well a newly elected Board member for Pokaiks Reconciliation Society, this is my 1st year for both. I am currently employed with Tsuu’tina Nation as a Executive Assistant for their Citizenship Department. I look forward to building new friendships, to this new journey, meeting new people, and learning long the way
Jessica was born and raised in Mohkinstsis (Calgary) on Treaty 7 territory. She is Cree-Métis and mixed settler with current family ties to the Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement. Jessica is also a proud member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. Jessica brings a strong sense of identity and advocacy to her work and community. As a communications professional with over 12 years of experience, Jessica believes in the healing and transformative power of storytelling, and the importance of centering Indigenous voices. She is passionate about arts and culture, and in her spare time she beads and tufts. Jessica is a proud auntie to two brilliant young women — a role she takes very seriously. She is honoured to participate on the Pokaiks Reconciliation Society board and bring her whole self to supporting community healing and resiliency.
Darren Rea is a Cree Métis artist and entrepreneur based in Calgary. His work blends painting with digital tools and AI, exploring identity, spirit, and transformation. Through his platform, LightNow.ca, he creates immersive visual experiences rooted in Indigenous culture and innovation.
Darren is the founder of Maskwa Mitehi, a mentorship initiative for Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the University of Calgary, with a Certificate in Leadership Studies.
Denise Klengenberg-Bryan, known by her Inuinaqtun name Angasina, is a proud descendant of the Copper-Inuit from the northern community of Kugluktuk, Nunavut (formerly Copper Mine, NWT). She now resides in Calgary with her husband, Ken Bryan, the love of her life.
Angasina was named by her grandfather after her great-grandmother from Alaska, a name that carries deep familial and cultural significance. Growing up on the land with her family, Denise spent weekends camping, hunting, fishing, and trapping. These experiences were enriched by the making of traditional clothing such as mukluks, seal fur mitts, parkas, and carry bags. Her family also prepared traditional foods like caribou, seal, arctic char, whitefish, and occasionally beluga whale.
Denise's artistic talents were nurtured by watching her grandfather's drawings and carvings, as well as her grandmother's sewing. Today, she continues to honor her heritage by creating her own Inuit clothing, drawings, and paintings, keeping her culture alive and vibrant.
Carmen grew up in Alberta and is of German and Italian heritage. She is honored to be part of this organization dedicated to sharing Indigenous knowledge through art and fostering understanding of Truth and Reconciliation.
She is committed to deepening her respect and understanding of Indigenous cultures and is deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn from the Elders, artists, and fellow board members who guide this important work. With a strong belief in using her skills and privilege to support reconciliation, Carmen is dedicated to building a future where generations of Pokaiks grow up surrounded by cultural pride, access to teachings, and celebration of Indigenous identity.
IJun Seo (She/Her) is passionate about supporting youth wellbeing and mental health, a commitment reflected in both her personal journey and professional path. Currently a medical student at the University of Calgary, IJun previously worked as the Youth Program Coordinator at Distress Centre Calgary, where she supported youth through ConnecTeen, a confidential 24/7 crisis line. Born in South Korea, IJun immigrated to Turtle Island with her family at the age of 12. She grew up in Bassano, Alberta—just outside of Siksika. Today, she continues to learn with gratitude about the diverse cultures, traditions, and ceremonies of this land, alongside her fiancé, Darren.
If you said yes, then we encourage you to consider applying to volunteer with us as part of our team! We are seeking dedicated individuals to join our Board of Directors. The following positions are currently open:
Why Join Us?
As a diverse group of individuals including First Nation, Métis, and non-Indigenous allies. We welcome anyone who shares our passion for the arts, education, and creating positive change within our community and a desire to participate in ReconciliACTION in a meaningful way to apply.
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