Jacie (she/her) is nehiyaw iskwew, from Wabasca, Alberta. She is a member of Bigstone Cree Nation, of Treaty 8. Jacie joined the Program Management team with experience supporting collaborative approaches, development of sustainable partnerships and coordination of coalition initiatives. Previously, she worked at the organizational level coordinating reconciliation and decolonization efforts, as well, participating in research and data mobilization for system change. She graduated from the University of Calgary with a BA in International Indigenous Studies, with a minor in Geography.  

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Her involvement in community building began when she entered university as a single parent. Participating in student leadership opportunities and volunteerism, often with her children, opened a world of learning and growth potential – from travels to Peru, connection through ceremony and land-based learning, and sharing her story on campus. Her passion is rooted in creating and deepening relationships for unity, wellness, and sense of belonging. Her greatest teachers are now teenagers, she raises with her partner - instilling purpose and curiosity for life.

Jacie is excited to work alongside youth and the Canada Bridges team to help utilize story to empower and identify strength in diverse communities and embrace collective potential toward transformational change for future generations.

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Spirit River (Makóyomaahkaa, Enduring Running Wolf, in Blackfoot) is a passionate advocate for Indigenous empowerment and healing. From the Piikani Nation in Treaty 7 Territory, his dedication stems from his experiences as a second-generation survivor of the Indian Residential Schools, 60s Scoop, and Indian Day Schools.

He earned a BA in Policy Studies from Mount Royal University, where he co-founded Otahpiaaki, a social enterprise supporting Indigenous artists. His award-winning research on barriers to Indigenous economic success informs the workshops he conducts today.

As the first Indigenous elected President of Mount Royal University's Student Association (2020-2022), he secured funding for Indigenous student centres and championed inclusive policies.

With Canada Bridges, Spirit River leverages his expertise to strengthen the Unveiled Youth Potential program. By integrating his research and Brené Brown's Shame Resilience Theory, he aims to foster self-determination and healing for Indigenous youth.

Tyra was born and raised in Medicine Hat, Alberta and represents the Kainai Nation. Tyra is our summer student and works alongside Alison in Siksika as a program assistant. Tyra primarily works with the Meaningful Futures Program, and Girls group at the high school. She enjoys guitar, music, films, and reading. Tyra attends the University of Calgary and recently finished her first year in the Aboriginal Student Access Program. In the future, Tyra hopes to pursue a career in social work and work in Siksika Nation. Tyra loves to engage with her community and with youth. Upon working with Canada Bridges, she hopes to gain knowledge on facilitating and being a role model for youth.