Kirby Redwood is Saulteaux-Cree from Cowessess First Nation and has called Moh'Kinsstis (Calgary) his home for over 50 years. He has been involved in the social services sector as a professional and volunteer since 1988. He has served in areas of children services, justice, adult education, and social services. 

Holding a BA in Justice Studies, MAL in Leadership, and an MBA, Kirby values the role of formal education and the possibilities this path offers in relationship to his traditional ways of knowing and being. When we respectfully parallel Indigenous worldviews to Western worldviews we create opportunities for ethical space to emerge, and from there we open the doors to personal and community wellness. 

As the Lead Oskâpêwis (CEO) at Miskanawah, Kirby takes great pride in being part of a learning organization that contributes to community as a social change agent and creates opportunities for the voices not always heard… to be heard. Kirby’s passions are his desire to make positive change within himself and the community he works and lives in. With a focus on strengthening and changing the narratives and perspectives of Canada’s Indigenous peoples, to one’s that more accurately reflect who we are as Turtle Islands first peoples.

Amber is a member of the Mississaugas of Rice Lake, Alderville First Nation, where she has lived for over 35 years. She is a wife, mother and grandmother. She has served as the Executive Director of Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child &Family Services, a large Indigenous Child and Family Well Being Agency in south central Ontario since 2014. 

With an honours BA in Public Administration and Governance from Ryerson University (’06), a Juris Doctor of Laws degree from University of Toronto Faculty of Law (’06), and a Masters of Social Work from Laurier (’17), Amber has spent most of her career working for Indigenous people and communities, including eight years of law practice before joining Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag. 

Amber believes strongly in the restoration of jurisdiction to Indigenous peoples to look after their own children, and also has a strong commitment to reconciliation. She believes and advocates for a wholistic approach to balanced healing for children, youth, families, communities and nations. She is currently the President of the Board for the Association of Native Child and Family Service Agencies of Ontario (ANCFSAO), and an Expert in Residence for the Child Welfare League of Canada, and a former Board member of the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS). Amber has been called upon to provide expert evidence with respect to Indigenous Child and Family services in Ontario and believes in a brighter future.

Shannon Crate, Ma'iingaans, is an Anishinaabe kwe from the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. For 28 years, she has served as the Child and Family Wellbeing Manager and Band Representative for her community, promoting positive change in Native Child Welfare and family services. 

A Feather Carrier teacher, IADR facilitator, and storytelling educator, Shannon draws on teachings from her parents, elders, ancestors, and children to guide her work. She shares lessons learned through storytelling, including insights gained from the inquest into the death of Devon Freeman, emphasizing life promotion and holistic healing. 

Shannon holds a Masters of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University (Indigenous Field of Study) and a Bachelor of Social Work from Toronto Metropolitan University. She was instrumental in developing Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services, regional protocols, and customary care homes that set many standards for respectful collaboration between Children’s Aid Societies and First Nations. 

Before returning to her community, Shannon worked in Vancouver with Squamish Nation and the Native Court Workers Association, where she also created the first Native Circle Sentencing Program for the Attorney General’s Office of B.C. 

Shannon trains CAS staff, mental health professionals, and educators in Indigenous wholistic helping and emphasizes the importance of storytelling in personal growth and professional practice. She and her husband of 30 years share two daughters and a pack of rez dogs, reflecting her deep connection to family and community.