'Being OK with not being OK is one of the greatest gifts we can give to ourselves.'

Joanne's ancestry is Omushkego, Swampy Cree, from Attawapiskat Ontario. 

Joanne has worked within the social service sector for 25 years.  She is very active in the Native community in Toronto and surrounding areas, providing traditional teachings, ceremonies and workshops and sits as an advisor for several agencies.

Joanne’s commitment to educating others on the issues facing First Nations has lead to workshops for: Ministry of Health Canada, the Royal Ontario Conservatory of Music, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health,  Ryerson University,  York University,  Seneca College,  Diabetes Association of Ontario, Native Canadian Centre of Toronto and several First Nations and many social service agencies.

Joanne’s approach is a blend of coaching/counseling and traditional teachings.  A captivating storyteller, she skillfully weaves her life experiences into her approach to teachings and counseling.  She feels that her life experiences help her to relate to and understand her clients.  For Joanne, every experience, whether it is positive or negative, is a teaching.  

Joanne is a survivor of alcoholic parenting, poverty, oppression, low self esteem and all forms of abuse.  She acknowledges that one of the most important steps towards her own personal healing was refusing to play the role of a victim.  “When you’re stuck in the victim role and hating an experience, you can’t see the gifts that come with that experience.  It is important to learn from life, rather than letting these situations unconsciously control the direction of one’s life".

Here is Joanne's grandson, Zacharie, born August 2007 and the rest of the family and some important memories.

July 2010                        Christmas 2008   First Pow Wow August     1st Birthday Dalai Lama 10/30/07 Proud MommyTammy    The first day                  Samson is the name