Aboriginal Training Team

Lisa Raven
Hollow Water First Nation, MB

Lisa Raven, is currently the lead trainer for the aboriginal team, Lisa has been training and delivering workshops with Returning to Spirit since 2006. She lives in her home community of Hollow Water First Nation in Manitoba.

Since experiencing the Returning to Spirit process herself in 2004, Lisa has been committed to sharing the gift of reconciliation, forgiveness and personal freedom with others. 

Over the years her witness of the courage, transformation and grace of people willing to move forward, from what has been keeping them stuck in life, continues to honour and inspire her deeply.  

Cecilia Opekokew
Canoe Lake First Nation, SK

Cecilia obtained a Bachelor of Education (1989) U of S and a Certificate in Career and Community Counselling (1997) U of R (SIFC).  She has worked with students in the areas of elementary, high school and adult education and childcare. In addition, she has worked in the areas of community wellness counselling, school counselling and as a community research assistant for health projects. She has training in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome; Life Skills coaching; and the Christopher Leadership Course. Cecilia has been a member of the Canoe Lake Board of Education and the Canoe Lake Parish Council. New possibilities and openings into her own development have occurred throughout her involvement with the RTS program.

Cecilia is presently involved in "The Returning to Spirit - Residential School Healing and Reconciliation Program".  She first participated in the 5-Day community workshop at Canoe Lake in 2003, attended the Winnipeg Reconciliation in 2004 and entered the training program in 2005. She served as the first chairperson of the RTS Board from 2006 to 2009. As a certified trainer (2008) with the RTS program she has travelled with a team of trainers to deliver workshops in various communities. She has personally experienced the impacts of the Residential School on her family and community. She has personally experienced and seen the transformations that occur when the work is integrated into one’s life.  She believes in the principles and values of the program and is committed to delivering workshops that will assist others in their personal growth and development.