Lisa Raven
Executive Director & Trainer
Hollow Water First Nation, MB
I am from Hollow Water First Nation and attended Marieval Indian Residential School (SK) for one year.
I first took the Returning to Spirit workshops in 2005 and found it to be a life-altering experience. It broke through in a way that years of therapy and counselling had not. I became a Returning to Spirit trainer in 2007 to make a difference with others, in the same way that the trainers had made a difference for me. I am deeply honoured and inspired by the courage and grace of people willing to move forward from what has been keeping them stuck in life.
I believe that we were put on this earth to operate from our greatness, regardless of race, creed or background, as humans we limit ourselves in so many ways. This process helps to clarify the WHY and the HOW.
Taking the time to attend this four-day process is a gift to yourself.
Dianne Little
Director, Partnership Strategies & Trainer
Winnipeg, MB
Born in Seattle, WA, Dianne spent her formative years living between Canada and the United States. It taught her much about the social and economic disparities between different communities. Surrounded by stories of her Scottish ancestors, she developed a fascination for both history and politics that has driven her choices throughout her life.
Her first introduction with reconciliation arose from these early interpretations of Indigenous People and Canadian/US history. As a result, she sought mentors from the restorative justice, Indigenous and educational communities who were capable of broadening her point-of-view. Dianne gained many insights on how she might participate in meaningful dialogues, but she struggled with applying these teachings to personal trauma healing.
This all changed when she entered the RTS reconciliation process - she found a home. The process has made way for her to connect life-long passions with a deeply powerful and personal process. It has altered her life dramatically, because it made sense, it was doable, and it worked!
Fast-forward to today, Dianne facilitates the work for others with reverence towards always acknowledging the earliest founders, trainers, and participants. She infuses the process to all parts of her life including her relationships as a mother, daughter, sister, friend, and human.
François Paradis
Knowledge Keeper & Trainer (French and English)
Winnipeg, MB
I am a Catholic priest and member of the Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate since August 15, 1967. I was ordained in July 1972. My entire priestly ministry has been with the Ojibwa First Nations communities of Southern Manitoba. I was pastor in Sagkeeng and the surrounding First Nations for 17 years (1983-2000). After four years as pastor of Kateri Tekakwitha Aboriginal Parish in Winnipeg (2003-2007), Returning to Spirit became my full time ministry.
Reconciliation is the gift that I have been called to share. It has showed up in various ways within my pastoral activities. One of the ways has been in interreligious dialogue with First Nations’ spirituality. I have participated in countless First Nations’ ceremonies (sweat lodges, Sundance, traditional fast, pipe ceremony and Eagle wing healing ceremonies). My Master of Arts’ research paper was a reflection on my interreligious dialogue experiences. Now, reconciliation is brought forward in Returning to Spirit (RTS).
Since my certification as a Returning to Spirit trainer in January 2007, I have been on the non-Indigenous training team delivering RTS workshops. I am pursuing my development as a trainer. Beyond reconciliation, I am very interested that a new partnership of equals be developed between the non-Indigenous peoples and the First Nations.
Jacques Lafrance
Knowledge Keeper & Trainer (French and English)
Lorette, MB
Originally from Hearst Ontario, Jacques has lived in Manitoba for the last 30 years. He is the General Manager of Light of the Prairies, a retreat and conference centre situated south-east of Winnipeg, Manitoba. He eclectic interests and hobbies include beekeeping, woodworking, and singing in two choirs. He is deeply passionate about life-giving projects.
Jacques took his first RTS Workshop in 2007. The workshop was the beginning of a transformational journey that he continues today "I have experienced a true Reconciliation between First-Nation and non First-Nation people – a relationship I have come to love," Now, he facilitates workshops as a certified trainer as well as contributes to the RTS training program, communication and special events. "At the heart of my life is a deep desire to contribute in creating a better world by the way I live and by the choices I make."
Dennis Chartrand
Trainer (English and Ojibwe)
Winnipeg, MB
I am from Duck Bay, Manitoba, and although I never attended Indian Residential School, I was taught by the Religious Sisters in Duck Bay. The Indian Residential School was in the adjacent community of Pine Creek First Nation, which affected all three adjoining communities of Pine Creek First Nation, Duck Bay and Camperville.
I took my first Returning to Spirit workshop in 2005 in Hollow Water First Nation and then attended the Reconciliation in Winnipeg, MB.
I chose to enter the Returning to Spirit training program because of my experience in the two workshops. I thought that if it could help me unpack the burdens of my past that I had always tried to stuff away, get this great understanding of myself, connect deeper with my relationships, and open up to endless possibilities in my life, it could affect anyone who steps into the room and participates in the process. Witnessing others go through their reconciling experiences was very moving to see. I have always wanted to contribute deeply to the struggles of my Indigenous community and this was a guarantee and the greatest way that I seen myself doing that. I never expected that I could go beyond and be a part of healing the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. I was certified as a Returning to Spirit trainer in 2007.
This work provides anyone who takes it with a safe, supportive process through which they can make profound discoveries from wherever they are in life. You reading this, you have something to contribute to healing the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, whether you know it or not, and what you have is important to it all. Experiencing opening up to moving beyond what you currently think is possible is an invigorating, life altering, and powerful experience. You deserve it. When I attended the Returning to Spirit workshop I had profound experiences of being able to create peace and love in my immediate circle of people. What stands out the most is that I experienced forgiveness where I never thought was possible.
Robyn Hall
Trainer
Hollow Water First Nation, MB
As an Anishinaabe woman born and raised in Hollow Water First Nations, Robyn Hall prides herself on her grassroots community connections. She is deeply interested in continuing her efforts and education in bringing forward holistic health and wellness within First Nations' Communities. Robyn's passions exude from her whether as a parent, in her role as a Jordan's Principle Niigaan Abinoojii Case Manager, or when she delivers reconciliation workshops for Returning to Spirit. Robyn brings to the work a deep understanding of community issues with a generous, playful spirit.
Susan Campbell
Trainer
Cochrane, AB
My name is Susan Campbell and I currently live in Cochrane, Alberta. I became involved with Returning to Spirit in 2008 when I lived in Prince George and worked for the Roman Catholic Diocese. Bishop Gerry Wiesner, OMI, invited RTS to conduct workshops in the diocese and, as a staff member, I was encouraged to take part. It was such a positive experience that I asked to become a trainer in 2010 and have delivered the work in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia.
Returning to Spirit came at the right time for me. It helped me to name the areas in my life that kept me stuck and gave me the tools I needed to move forward. I was able to reconcile relationship and build partnerships in ways that I never anticipated. Every day I use the practices, such as completions (saying what needs to be said without blame or making wrong), listening to another’s point of view without judgement, and looking for possibilities instead of obstacles.
One of the great gifts Returning to Spirit has been for me is the partnership that has been created with the Indigenous trainers and communities I have worked with. The Reconciliation workshops, in particular, are such an inspiration to me. To have a heart-to-heart conversation one-on-one with different First Nations members from the communities is both powerful and humbling. I believe strongly that Returning to Spirit creates the space and opportunity for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous to build healthy and life-giving relationships. This is a positive contribution to all our communities.
Terry-Lynn Luggi
Trainer
Prince George, BC
A fax came to my workplace for an RTS workshop in Prince George, BC in 2010. I was freaked out but I registered! RTS changed my way of thinking ~ what was especially pivotal was Responsibility! As quickly as they came available, I attended all RTS workshops and declared my intention to become a trainer! I've since been on numerous teams delivering the work. I continue to be complete with the stories I tell myself and uncover more of the spirit of who I am! I attended Lejac Indian Residential School prior to its closure in 1976. I provided my statement to the Truth & Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in 2014. I love being a part of a bright legacy that replaces a dark legacy.
This work provides anyone who takes it with a safe, supportive process through which they can make profound discoveries from wherever they are in life. You reading this, you have something to contribute to healing the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, whether you know it or not, and what you have is important to it all.
Experiencing opening up to moving beyond what you currently think is possible is an invigorating, life altering, and powerful experience. You deserve it. When I attended the Returning to Spirit workshop I had profound experiences of being able to create peace and love in my immediate circle of people. What stands out the most is that I experienced forgiveness where I never thought was possible.
Haley Hickey
Trainer
Winnipeg, MB
I was born and raised in Winnipeg Manitoba. In 2017 I was introduced to Returning to Spirit, and completed the foundational workshop. The foundational workshop had a life changing impact on me. My life and career is informed by my ongoing involvement with the Returning to Spirit community and has been my guide post throughout the years. I am excited to be in development and look forward to contributing my passion for this work.
Monica Katchang
Trainer
Winnipeg, MB
Cheryl Bushie
Trainer
Hollow Water First Nation, MB
Brenda Arakaza
Trainer
Winnipeg, MB
Originally from Burundi, Brenda has lived, studied, and worked on three continents. Her lived experience of community transformation and her passion for bringing people together for a common purpose supports the joyful courage that distinguishes her leadership as a Trainer in development at Returning to Spirit (RTS). Her studies in microbiology and biochemistry, years of experience in pastoral ministry, and participation in youth movements in many communities has given Brenda a unique perspective in the RTS reconciliation process. Her journey with Returning to Spirit began in 2014 when she took part in the workshops. Since then, she has forged relationships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in ways she had never imagined. Brenda’s steadfast commitment to reconciliation is anchored in the belief that to reconcile the Spirit of who you are with you, others and life is to enable the best of social actors in their own communities.
Devon Bushie
Trainer
Winnipeg, MB
Alesa Sutherland
Trainer
Winnipeg, MB
I was born and raised in the rural community of Rosthern, Saskatchewan. I am the second Canadian born generation of German settler farmers. My husband, Donald and I farmed in South Central Saskatchewan before moving to Winnipeg in 2004.
I remember with clarity standing in the Saskatoon Airport in 2009 and reading “We are all Treaty People” on a huge overhead banner. The light went on in my head and I knew that, as a life long Catholic and child of German farmer/settlers, I wanted to be a part of the reconciliation process that was beginning to take shape. In 2010 Donald and I were observers of the first national TRC event at The Forks in Winnipeg. It was evident that I was not called, educated or prepared in any way to be a part of this national process. I needed to work on my own reconciliation with the faith tradition I love and then to reconcile with the people, cultures and generations that it harmed.
Archbishop of St. Boniface LeGatt has said that the Catholic Church in Canada has a lot of work to do so that what flows out of Papal apology will be brought to fruition by the Priests, Religious and Laity. I attended my first RTS 4-day workshop Roots of Reconciliation in 2017. The RTS process has so much to offer those of us who struggle with the events of the past regardless of our age, gender, faith tradition and or cultural upbringing.