Opening Ceremony & Welcome: Bonni Hanuse

Bill Chu is the founder of Canadians For Reconciliation, a peaceful non-partisan grassroots movement committed to developing a new relationship with Aboriginal people, one that signifies a deep apology for past injustice, a willingness to honor truth now and a resolve to embrace each other in the new millennium.

Lyana Patrick is from the Carrier Nation/Stellat’en First Nation, and has Scottish ancestry.

She has a B.A from the University of Victoria and did extensive research on Indigenous Governance and Indigenous storytelling as a methodology. She is the Education Coordinator for the Health Department University of British Columbia.

Saahiilthit (Gerry) Oleman has worked with the Indian Residential School Survivors Society since 1998.

Rosalyn Ing, Phd, is a Cree Elder from Manitoba.

Her goal in life is seeking social justice and healing for First Nations. Although she attended residential school for eleven years of her childhood, Dr. Ing still values education as an equalizer for society's opportunities.

Denise Nadeau is of mixed French, Irish, English and Mi’kmaq heritage. 

Bonni Hanuse is Mamalilikala of the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation and Coast Salish of the Lummi and Musqueam Nations.

She has worked on reserve and in the Urban communities for 20 years. In her work she has combined Ayurveda, Polarity body therapy, herbs, aromatherapy, and Spiritual teachings with individuals and groups.