Mental Health and Addiction Wisdom Council

Candace Black is a dedicated advocate for mental health and community well-being from the Treaty 8 area. She has completed extensive training in addiction and mental health, including community addictions programs, and works closely with First Nations and Métis communities.

Candace currently serves the Chard Métis Nation in Janvier and is the vice-chair of the Land-Based Healing Council for the Fort McMurray region, where she helps guide culturally grounded approaches to healing and recovery. Beyond her professional roles, Candace is deeply involved in youth and community support initiatives.

She is the treasurer and a board member of the Sekewha Youth Centre, a non-profit organization open year-round that provides food security programs, sports activities and leadership opportunities for youth.

Starting as a youth worker and rising to director, Candace has found fulfillment in mentoring young people as they grow into leaders themselves. She also volunteers in crisis intervention, offering wrap-around supports for victims, and provides temporary care for children whose parents are in treatment – having adopted 3 children herself. Her lifelong commitment reflects a passion for creating safe, supportive environments and building a better future for her community.

Reuben (Buck) Breaker is a prominent Indigenous leader and community advocate based in Calgary. He is a member of the Siksika Nation and is deeply involved in initiatives aimed at addressing issues such as addiction, homelessness and food insecurity, particularly within Indigenous communities.

His work spans various sectors, including health, justice and community development. The advocacy efforts and forward-facing presence has driven home the importance of community engagement and systematic change to address challenges faced by Indigenous communities.

Reuben was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Hal Eagletail is a member of the Northern Dene Tsuut’ina Nation and owner of Eaglestar Enterprises Ltd., where he works to bridge the gap between First Nations culture, spirituality, herbal health care and the environment.

He is a dynamic Master of Ceremonies for cultural celebrations across North America.

Ramona Horseman is the former chief of the Horse Lake First Nation, located west of Hythe in northwestern Alberta. She was first elected in 2017, and served 2 terms as chief, advancing many important community initiatives.

As a distinguished leader from her First Nation, her dedication carries into other community-based organizations, such as Treaty 8 Urban Child and Family Services, an organization committed to helping families create better futures for Treaty 8 children and youth.

Ramona was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Trevor Pelletier is a dedicated and active traditional leader from Siksika Nation, serving in the Sacred Horn Society for 18 years. With a strong commitment to community wellness and cultural revitalization, Trevor has spent over a decade working in the addictions and healing sector, bringing culturally grounded approaches to support individuals and family journeys.

He was also instrumental in helping develop Inikokan Men's Recovery Program, a culturally routed initiative focused on healing, responsibility, personal empowerment and reconnection to identity.

Trevor is the creator and project manager of Makoyiosokoyi – "Walking The Wolf Trail," a cultural community outreach program based in Mokinsis (Calgary). This innovative project connects community members with Nititsitapi teachings, land-based healing, identity and cultural pride.

Guided by his elders, past Horn Society members, and his Blackfoot name Siipistokoos, Trevor continues to advocate for culturally informed approaches to wellness and recovery.

Raymond Powder is the current chief of Fort McKay First Nation. He has served as an elected leader for over 20 years. A proud member of the Fort McKay First Nation, he has served on several boards and councils, including the Treaty 8 Health Authority and the Fort McKay Group of Companies.

He has studied at Keyano College, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, the Banff Learning Centre and Harvard University. 

He has received both the King Charles III Coronation Medal and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for his community development work.

Eric Shirt served as a council member on the Saddle Lake Cree First Nation (2022–2024), and previously the chief of Saddle Lake Cree First Nation (2019–2022). He has served as board member of many organizations such as the National Aboriginal Health Organization, the National Native Addictions Program, the Alberta Indian Health Care Commission and the Indian Association of Alberta.

In the 1970s, he emerged as a visionary who recognized addiction as a treatable disease and began his life’s mission to bring culturally grounded recovery and wellness to First Nations across Canada.

Leonard Standingontheroad was first elected to Montana First Nation Council in 2005 and again in 2008. In 2017, he was elected chief and won a second term in 2020. During his time on council, Montana First Nation successfully started a business, Akamihk Kanataskiy Ventures (AKV) Ltd., which continues to generate a financial stream for the Nation.

He is an active member of his community and serves as the vice-chair of the Central Alberta Economic Partnership to ensure treaty chief engagement on government economic initiatives and resources development. 

Earl Thiessen has been with Oxford House for 16 years in various positions and assumed the role of executive director on July 1, 2019. The developer of numerous recovery housing models for the Oxford House Foundation of Canada, including pre-treatment housing, entry level housing and the Peer/Culturally Supported Indigenous Recovery Housing Model.

He rose from homelessness to executive director and is a strong advocate for recovery, individuals affected by homelessness and the Peer/Culturally Supported Indigenous Recovery Housing Model. 

Earl was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Jodi Two Guns is a community leader from the Tsuut’ina Nation, dedicated to wellness, recovery and strengthening Indigenous families.

With training in human services and experience in child and family supports, mental health, addictions and emergency management, she blends cultural grounding with practical, solutions-focused work.

Dwayne Yellowknee is currently the proxy chief for Bigstone Cree Nation. Prior to being elected he was an addictions and mental health counsellor with over 20 years of experience. He has sat on several boards such as the Youth Justice Council and Regional Victim Services.

Dwayne is also the captain of Bigstone Fire Department where he helps to lead their youth firefighter program.

Dr. Tyler White (Natoyiipiitawotaan – “Holy Eagle Shield”) is a senior leader in Indigenous health and a member of the Siksika First Nation. He currently serves as vice president of Indigenous Health at OKAKI.

As the former CEO of Siksika Health Services he oversaw significant expansions, including Alberta’s first Indigenous primary care alternate relationship plan. He was the former president and chair of the First Nations Health Consortium of Alberta, co-chair of the Alberta First Nations COVID-19 Task Force and the Indigenous Panel chair for the Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System Engagement.

Dr. White is also an adjunct professor with the University of Alberta and University of Calgary. He has been recognized with honors such as the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for health excellence and the King Charles III Coronation Medal for community leadership.

Evan Romanow is the deputy minister of Mental Health and Addiction.

Coreen Everington is an assistant deputy minister of Mental Health and Addiction.

Sherry Cunningham is from the Peavine Metis Settlement and began her career in her local school before moving into administrative and economic development roles with the Settlement.

She later served as a settlement councillor and vice-chair during a period of significant oil and gas investment that brought both increased revenue and rising social challenges. She went on to become treasurer and vice-president of the Metis Settlements General Council, representing all 8 settlements on numerous boards and councils.

Sherry is currently a community and policy advisor at the Ministry of Indigenous Relations.