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.
Edna Mitander ACCT (3225)
Registered member of the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada
Selkirk First Nation in Yukon and currently reside in Whitehorse, Yukon.
Licensing: British Columbia, Yukon
Languages: English
Education: Professional Counsellor Diploma, Rhodes College
Faith-Based Counsellor, Kelowna College of Professional Counselling
Addiction Certificate, Vancouver College of Counselling Training
Currently enrolled in Counselling Women, Athabasca University
Client base: Adults, Seniors.
The principles guiding my practices are: being guided by the core principles of joy, love, wisdom, honesty, truth, and courage. I offer support that weaves together both traditional Indigenous knowledge and clinical approaches, creating a balanced and holistic path toward healing.
My approach to helping is rooted in a blend of knowledge, professional training, and lived experience as an Indigenous person. I draw on these strengths to support the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being of those I work with. My personal journey includes lived experience with the Sixties Scoop, Residential Schools, and Indian/TB Hospitals—experiences that deeply inform my understanding, empathy, and commitment to healing.
Some gifts I carry in my wholistic healing practices include: wisdom, an understanding of joy, compassion, and kindness. My wisdom has carried me through many hurts and helped me live with joy and peace—my ancestors who have carried me and my holistic healing practices.
I have experience supporting Indigenous individuals in areas such as depression, grief and loss, anger and abuse management, anxiety, and addiction—including substance use and gambling. My work is deeply informed by my own lived experiences with the Residential School system, the Sixties Scoop, and Indian/TB Hospitals. These experiences have shaped my understanding and strengthened my ability to walk alongside others on their healing journeys with empathy, respect, and cultural awareness.
Areas of Counselling Support:
Abuse: Emotional,
Abuse: Physical,
Abuse: Sexual,
Addictions,
Anger Management,
Anxiety,
Depression,
Indian Residential School,
Indian Hospital/TB Hospital,
Loss and Grief,
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG),
Panic Attacks,
Self-Esteem/Confidence,
Sixties Scoop,
Stress,
Trauma-Informed Care,
Traumatic loss,
Violence.
