Board of Directors

Dennis Sinclair
Hollow Water First Nation, MB

I am from Hollow Water First Nation, Manitoba. I am married with 4 children and 5 grandchildren. I have been working for my community since 1996, when I was elected to band council for four years and then moved over to being a Native Drug and Alcohol program Counsellor/Co-ordinator. My previous employment was with the Department of Natural Resources where I worked for 22 seasons as a forest fire fighter.

I first took the 5-Day Returning to Spirit workshop in 2003 in a neighbouring community. I immediately booked the workshop for my own community because I could see how much it would help our community members! I fell in love with the workshop process and began to attend other 5-Day RTS workshops, more than 17 of them! I always learned something new, gained a deeper understanding of the program and took away many things that helped my community members and me. In all of these different aboriginal communities, I saw people stuck in the past. This is why I really believe that this workshop can create a way to support people in moving forward with their lives.

RTS gave me a different perspective on life, and how to create a new understanding and balance with my own spirit. M family and friends see how much I have grown and are always asking how I did it! In my work within my community, and as a member of the RTS Board of Directors, I promote healing and reconciliation wherever I go. This program has given me a great opportunity to enhance my personal and professional life and I will always be grateful for that opportunity. Thank-you very much!

Sister Rita Bisson pm
North Battleford, SK

I grew up in a family of 4 girls and 9 boys. I am a retired teacher and parish administrator. I love walking and music (guitar & violin). I am interested in all kinds of spiritualities and workin the healing field.

I first took the 5-Day RTS workshop in The Pas in 2001 and have completed four Reconciliations. I did this because I love the process! Now I am a Board member and I am proud to support RTS in this way.

I have always loved working with First Nations people. This is why I’ve been with them for over 30 years and have many friends.

Elise Charland 
Cold Lake First Nation, AB

I am Dene Suline woman from Cold Lake First Nation. I have six children, ten grandchildren and two great-grandsons. Between the ages of five and fifteen years of age, I attended two residential schools, one in Saskachewan and one in Alberta.

I worked for thirty years in my community and still do alot of volunteering. My training was in the addictions field, mostly alcohol and drugs. I was a director and a counsellor for years. I took various training, that helped me stay focused on my work.

I started dealing with my residential school issues in the 1980's. I challenged myself to take risks and let the old teachings of residential school go. I realized I wasn't 'stupid', something I'd been told for years.I started by writng my story which later was published in an anthology titled, 'Residential Schools: The Stolen Years' (University Extension press, 1993).

I also worked for my community as a politician, band councillor. This job was a good learning experience. It taught me to understand that the leaders in my community had a very tough job. It helped me to see both sides of political office, the view of the people whom elected me and the view of the politician.

I retired in mid 2000. My intention was to stay home and relax. That didn't happen. I took more training with R.T.S and I'm very involved with the organization.

I'm very involved with my community. I have a voice which I use. Past fear in my life prevented me from using my voice, that fear is gone. I speak loud and clear now. The Creator, God has been a huge part of my life. I have a great respect for Creation, the Earth, Water, Air and Fire. It keeps us balanced. Without these elements we are nothing. I am enjoying my life.

Bishop Gerry Wiesner omi
Diocese of Prince George, BC

Bishop Gerald Wiesner, O.M.I., was born in Macklin, Saskatchewan, in 1937 and ordained to the ministerial priesthood as an Oblate of Mary Immaculate on February 23, 1963. He was ordained to the episcopacy on February 22, 1993 as Bishop of the Diocese of Prince George, BC.

Bishop Wiesner holds a licentiate in theology from Saint Paul University in Ottawa and did post-graduate studies at the University of Ottawa, Catholic University in Washington, D.C., University of Notre Dame in Indiana, Saint John's University in Minnesota, the University of Santa Clara in California and the University of San Francisco.

From 1964 to 1972 Bishop Wiesner was a professor of theology at St. Charles Scholasticate in Battleford, Saskatchewan. From 1972 to 1984 and again from 1991 to 1992, Bishop Wiesner taught theology at Newman Theological College. In 1992 he served briefly as acting president of the college until his appointment as Bishop of the Diocese of Prince George.

Soon after arriving in Prince George the newly ordained bishop established a Lay Formation Program in the diocese. This opportunity for adult faith formation has been well received and to date, 14 groups – with from 15 to 30 people in each group – have completed the two-year program. As well as the Lay Formation Program, workshops, study days, retreats and renewal initiatives held in parishes and regions in the diocese give witness to Bishop Wiesner's commitment to adult faith formation.

While administrative and pastoral needs in the Diocese of Prince George are a priority, Bishop Wiesner continues to be invited to give workshops and retreats across Canada.

Norman Opekokew
Canoe Lake First Nation, SK

Norman attended the Beauval Indian Residential School and the Canoe Lake Indian Day School.  Over the years he has been involved with community development, education and health issues.  He has worked as a Community Researcher, Community Development Worker, Interpreter, Speaker for the FSIN and was Health Director for the Canoe Lake Band for 16 years. He has served on several Boards, locally and in the surrounding area, including: Canoe Lake Education, Canoe Lake Parish council, Meadow Lake Hospital Board, Keewatin Yathe Health District and  presently sits on the Returning to Spirit inc. Board. He is fluent in Cree and English.

Norman coordinated and participated in the RTS 5- day program, which he brought to Canoe Lake in 2003, and again in 2004. He entered the training program in 2005 after taking part in the Winnipeg Reconciliation (2004).  He is committed to bringing RTS to his people, and believes that the RTS program will benefit all people suffering from the effects of residential school. He actively supports and has coordinated several workshops in the Saskatchewan area.  He has travelled as support trainer to various workshops. He is involved with the delivery of Seminar Series in this area.

Lisa Monkman
Dauphin, MB

Lisa Monkman is an Aboriginal doctor currently working in Dauphin.

Julie LePage
Montreal, QC

Julie is an Aboriginal lawyer specializing in employment law.