About the Event
Join us Wednesday, March 13 for a special event to increase understanding for how intergenerational trauma impacts Indigenous peoples and how those effects are felt in the workplace or in school. Leaders and peers from small to large organizations can learn how to create a work or learning environment where all people, especially Indigenous peoples, can thrive.
This 4-hour online workshop is facilitated by Vanessa Lesperance and Ariana Fotinakis. The workshop is rooted in the context of colonization and the generational impacts it has on our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Attendees will also explore how intergenerational trauma impacts non Indigenous peoples. An Elder will join for additional wisdom and insights.
Registration Details
Date: March 13, 2024
Time: 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Location: Online
Fee: $99, participation link will be provided upon registration
Register online
About the Speakers
Vanessa Lesperance (she/her) is a heart-centered mixed heritage Metis (French-Anishinaabe) woman who is reclaiming her Metis roots. The proud descendant of voyageurs and ancestors who were part of the Red River Resistance. She created The Mindful Managers to help people connect to themselves and others in a good way. Vanessa is a facilitator, speaker. and connector. She holds a graduate degree in business from SFU and a masters degree in leadership from Royal Roads University with a focus on decolonizing business through workplace spirituality. She takes a trauma informed approach as a decolonial facilitator. She has worked with Indigenous entrepreneurs (women and youth) from across Turtle Island for several years. Recently, she co-developed a micro course on Decolonizing Business for Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. Vanessa has also worked with Google, Trent University and Surrey Schools to hold “Indigenous Enough” circles to address the systemic feeling of not feeling “Indigenous Enough” and ensure our Indigenous kin feel heard and seen regarding this common feeling. Vanessa has also been published in a few publications including World Federation Association of Teachers Education; SAY Magazine and Liisbeth Magazine.
Ariana Fotinakis (she/her) is a woman of mixed ancestry, with matrilineal Anishinaabe roots and patrilineal Greek roots. A daughter of a Sixties Scoop survivor, Ariana is proud to be reclaiming her roots. A trauma-informed somatic coach and breathwork facilitator, Ariana brings a grounded, gentle, and compassionate approach that supports her clients in their healing journeys. Having struggled with substance abuse in her teens and early 20s, Ariana understands the need to meet her clients where they’re at and believes everyone has the resources they need within to make positive changes in their lives and communities. Since 2013, Ariana has supported 100s of clients across the globe.
Her work has been published in Huffington Post and Elephant Journal, and she was a semi-finalist in Pow Wow Pitch, a pitch competition for Indigenous entrepreneurs. Ariana is a certified breathwork facilitator; Earth Medicine practitioner; Trauma of Money Facilitator; and an Integrative Wellness and Life coach. Ariana is passionate about food sovereignty, regenerative living, ocean dips, and being a Mama. To learn more about Ariana you can visit her website.