Michael Bourke RSW (832436)

Registered Social Worker Mikisew Cree First Nation

Licensing: Ontario, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon

Languages: English

Education: Social Service Worker Native Specialization Diploma, Sault College of Applied Arts & Technology Honors of Bachelors Social Work Degree, Laurentian University

Client base: Children, Adolescents

Born and raised in the NWT and Nunavut. I am of Cree descendent of the Mikisew Cree First Nation located in Alberta. My reserve sits in the Treaty 8 territory.

The principles that guide my practice include: The Seven Grandfather Teachings are central to my work and personal life, guiding me to foster growth, connection, and understanding: Wisdom – Embracing knowledge and life experience to make thoughtful, informed decisions. Love – Approaching every interaction with kindness, compassion, and empathy. Respect – Valuing the dignity and worth of each person, honoring their unique perspectives and experiences. Bravery – Facing challenges with courage and standing up for what is right, even in difficult situations. Honesty – Being truthful and transparent, fostering trust and integrity in relationships. Humility – Acknowledging limitations and being open to learning from others and my own experiences. Truth – Upholding honesty and authenticity in relationships and self-reflection.

My approach to helping might include I aim to walk alongside individuals on their healing journey, building strong therapeutic relationships rooted in trust, safety, and mutual respect. I use humor and transparency to create a comfortable environment where clients feel heard, valued, and supported. My approach is client-centered, incorporating evidence-based techniques such as:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Brief Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) skills
• Harm Reduction strategies
• Motivational Interviewing

I work collaboratively with clients to navigate challenges, explore emotions, and achieve personal goals in a way that respects their unique journey. Some gifts I carry in my wholistic healing practices are I bring compassion, cultural knowledge, and a deep commitment to helping individuals uncover their potential and move toward healing. My ability to integrate humor, transparency, and empathy into my practice helps create a safe and open space for exploration and growth. My understanding of the interconnectedness of emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being allows me to support clients in a way that honors their whole self.

I have experience working with Indigenous people in the following areas:

• Youth corrections
• Indigenous children’s aid societies
• Working in Nunavut, which deepened my understanding of diverse Indigenous cultures and enriched my cultural knowledge
• Supporting children, youth, and families dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, and other emotional or psychological challenges

Areas of counselling support:

Abuse: Emotional, Anger Management, Anxiety, Child/Youth, Depression, Panic Attacks, Self-Esteem/Confidence, Self-Harm or Self-Injury, Stress, Trauma-Informed Care.

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Sylvia Kablutsiak MSW, BSW, RSW (855408)

Registered Social Worker Arviat, Nunavut

Licensing: Ontario, Nunavut, Yukon & Northwest Territories

Languages: English, Inuk

Education: Master of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work, Laurentian University

Client base: Children, Youth, Adults

I am a Registered Social Worker from Arviat, Nunavut, currently residing in Ontario.

The principles guiding my practice are rooted in the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) principles, also known as Inuit societal values. The values embedded in my practice include the following: 1. Inuuqatigiitsiarniq (respecting others): My goal is to build relationships rooted in mutual respect, compassion, and non-judgement. In our time together, I will create a safe and welcoming space where you feel heard and valued.

1. Piliriqatigiingniq (working together for a common cause): Healing and finding your truth is not done alone. I will walk alongside you during your healing journey; not for you, but with you. We will find ways to support you best, together.

2. Qanuqtuurniq (being resourceful and innovative): I will adapt my approaches to meet your unique needs by blending counselling methods with Inuit knowledge and practices. I will remain open to creative solutions to best suit your needs.

3. Pijitsirniq (serving others): My work is grounded in service to Inuit, Metis, and First Nations populations. I incorporate strength-based and trauma-informed approaches with an integration of wholistic frameworks.

4. Aajiiqatigiingniq (decision-making through consensus): I value shared decision-making with those I walk with. I will support you in making informed choices and will honour your voice every step of the way.

My approach involves a blend of mainstream and Indigenous practices. I incorporate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) modalities while grounding my work in Inuit ways of knowing that view wellness as a balance between mind, body, and spirit.

Some gifts I carry in my practice include deep cultural knowledge rooted in the Inuit way of life, lived experiences of challenges and resilience, and maintaining my first language, Inuktut. I also carry teachings from First Nations Elders that continue to ground me in my work.

I have experience working with Indigenous people in the following areas: mental health and addictions, crisis intervention, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, romantic separation, cultural disconnection, navigating systemic barriers, intergenerational trauma, stress related to community and social challenges, and life transitions.

Areas of Counselling Support:

Abuse: Emotional, Abuse: Physical, Abuse: Sexual, Anger Management, Anxiety, Childhood Abuse, Childhood Trauma, Depression, Indian Residential School, Identity Reclamation, Self-Esteem/Confidence, Self-Harm or Self-Injury, Stress, Trauma-Informed Care, Traumatic loss, Violence.

Sylvia Kablutsiak MSW, BSW, RSW (855408) Registered Social Worker Arviat, N... Read More

Clifford Mushquash HBSW, RSW (841012)

Registered Social Worker Pawgwasheeng (Pays Plat First Nation

Licensing: Ontario, Nunavut

Languages: English

Education: Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, Lakehead University Honours Bachelor of Social Work, Lakehead University

Client base: Children, Teenagers, Adults, Seniors, and Groups

I am a Registered Social Worker. I was born and raised in Treaty #3, on the traditional territory of Lac Seul First Nation at Sioux Lookout, Ontario.

The principles that guide my practice are the same that guide my journey through life: Humility, Bravery, Honesty, Wisdom, Truth, Respect, Love. I believe approaches people use to restore and maintain mental wellness are akin to bending down by the water’s edge and bringing up nibi (water) to splash across your face in order to awaken your body and revive your spirit.

My approach to helping includes a lot of listening, asking questions, and collaborating with the person I’m helping to ensure they’re moving forward in a good way that they find helpful. I am increasing my knowledge of traditional Anishinaabe teachings and healing practices. I also carry knowledge from the Western academic world. My approach to helping is kind of like a buffet - pick and choose what looks good, see if you like it, go back for more, or try something else.

Through my own journey and cultural reconnection, I have come to understand my strong connection to water. I am fortunate to have been given some water teachings which I share with others when appropriate. I also have a deep respect for my personal journey and the hardships in life that have brought me to this point. To quote the esteemed Stephen Colbert, “I have learned to love the thing I most wish hadn’t happened in my life”. Most roads in life have potholes. It’s important to navigate safely around or through them, while focussing on the open road ahead.

I have worked in health and human services for over fifteen years. My experience comes from a variety of areas: homelessness and food security; mental health and addictions; travel; inpatient and outpatient healthcare delivery; academia; and community development.

Areas of counseling support:

Abuse: Emotional, Abuse: Physical, Abuse: Sexual, Addictions, Anger Management, Anxiety, Child/Youth, Childhood Abuse, Childhood Trauma, Depression, Developing Healthy Emotional Expression for Men, Indian Residential School, Loss and Grief, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Men and Boys (MMIMB), Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), Panic Attacks, Self-Esteem/Confidence, Self-Harm or Self-Injury, Sixties Scoop, Stress, Trauma-Informed Care, Traumatic loss, Two-Spirit, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, Violence, Witnessing Violence.

Clifford Mushquash HBSW, RSW (841012) Registered Social Worker Pawgwasheeng... Read More

Shelley Petahtegoose RSW (862099)

Registered Social Worker Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, located in Northeastern Ontario.

Licensing: Ontario, Nunavut

Languages: English

Education: Bachelor of Arts - Honours Indigenous Social Work - Minor in Criminology and Indigenous Studies, Laurentian University

Client base: Teens, Adults and Seniors

Aaniin! My practice is grounded in the principles of holistic healing, the Seven Grandfather Teachings, and the Medicine Wheel. I believe that culture is at the heart of healing and overall wellness.

I strive to create a safe, culturally grounded space where relatives can heal, grow, and reconnect with their strengths. My work centers on relationship building and fostering connections to the land. I hold an Honours Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work from Laurentian University—a unique program that weaves together Indigenous knowledge, values, and practices, equipping me to address the distinct challenges faced by Indigenous peoples. I chose the name “Building Our Bundle” for my practice to reflect the lifelong journey of learning, healing, and carrying forward the teachings that guide us. My knowledge is rooted in my education, lived experience, culture, and the wisdom of my grandparents.

I have over twenty years of experience working in the fields of health and education. My life and professional journey have taken me through diverse areas, including mental health and addictions, community wellness, food security, and homelessness.

Areas of Counselling Support:

Addictions, Anxiety, Depression, Domestic Violence Gendered Violence, Indian Residential School, Living with Disabilities, Loss and Grief, Panic Attacks, Residential School Survivors, Self-Esteem/Confidence, Stress, Traumatic loss, Two-Spirit, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, Violence.

Shelley Petahtegoose RSW (862099) Registered Social Worker Atikameksheng An... Read More