About Indigenous Advisory Circle

Melanie Bazin, MSW, RSW is the Director of Indigenous Services at the Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute. She
has a passion for decolonizing social systems and draws from her Métis heritage to incorporate Indigenous ways
of being, learning and helping into training and resources. Melanie provides land-based therapy with Lil’ Steps
Wellness and has 18 years of experience as a social worker in child protection, addictions and education.

Marti Ford, Ed.D, M.Ed., PBCE, B. Ed., BA, is of mixed heritage with Inuit and settler roots. She is the past
President and Board Chair of the Manitoba Inuit Association. Dr. Ford is Associate Dean (Indigenous Education)
and Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba. She has worked locally
throughout the province of Manitoba in First Nations and Métis communities.

Sherry Gott, BSW, MSW, RSW hails from Sapotaweyak Cree Nation. A survivor of both the Residential School
System and Day School. Sherry is the first Indigenous Cree woman from Northern Manitoba to be appointed to
the role of Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth. Sherry has over 30 years of experience working in the
areas of child welfare, education and mental health.

Desiree Morrisseau-Keesick, BA is an Anishinaabe woman and registered member of Grassy Narrows First
Nation, with ties to Crane River First Nation and Dauphin. Desiree is the Director of Indigenous Student
Recruitment and Community Relations at the University of Manitoba. She is committed to systemic change and
collaborative action that supports Indigenous learners and embeds Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

Dayna Park is originally from Little Saskatchewan First Nation. Dayna recently graduated with a Bachelor of
Social Work degree and also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies. Dayna is committed to using her
voice to amplify the needs and strengths of communities and to help shape a future that honors the resilience
of Indigenous People.

Carole Shankaruk, BSW, RSW is the Indigenous Education Coordinator at Mountain View School Division. Carole
has spent decades assisting with the process of educating schools and communities regarding reconciliation.
As a Métis leader, Carole brings a great deal of lived experience to the circle and is passionate about
reconciliation within Canada.

Elizabeth Spence, BA, MA is research lead and project manager in Admissions at the Max Rady College of
Medicine, University of Manitoba. Her work focuses on ensuring the physician workforce is representative of the
provincial healthcare needs. Elizabeth is a proud member of the Red River Métis Nation and she considers
herself a helper and views her professional, academic and instruction work as both a privilege and a
responsibility to her community.

Allen Sutherland, also known by his spirit name Waabshkii Masinazoot Michtaatim (White Spotted Horse), is of
the Anishinaabe Bizhiw Doodem (Lynx Clan) and a member of Skownan First Nation. Allen is the Lodge Keeper of
Ginew Healing Lodge and provides facilitation and training as a resource person on the history and culture of the
Anishinaabe of Turtle Island.