Community Leaders Making a Difference
Behind every thriving community are the dedicated people who work tirelessly to create positive change, preserve cultural knowledge, and build bridges between worlds. Today, as we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, we honor the Indigenous community members across Alberta who are transforming lives through their commitment to healing, education, governance, and entrepreneurship.
Meet the community builders who are leading with wisdom, compassion, and unwavering dedication to a better future for all.
Lloyd Yellowbird – Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society
Lloyd Yellowbird’s work with Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society exemplifies the power of community-centered healing and support. Based in Edmonton, Bent Arrow has been a cornerstone of Indigenous services for decades, providing culturally grounded programs that address everything from addiction recovery to family support. Lloyd’s leadership reflects the organization’s commitment to traditional healing practices while meeting contemporary community needs.
Adrienne Larocque – Ociciwan Contemporary Art Centre
At the Ociciwan Contemporary Art Centre, Adrienne is part of a vital cultural hub that celebrates Indigenous artists and provides space for creative expression and cultural preservation. Located in the heart of Edmonton, Ociciwan (pronounced “oh-chee-chee-wahn,” meaning “warrior” in Plains Cree) serves as both gallery and gathering place, fostering connections between artists, community members, and visitors seeking to understand Indigenous perspectives through art.
Harlee Courtepatte – Cree Language Project
Language is the heartbeat of culture, and Harlee Courtepatte is ensuring that heartbeat continues strong for future generations. Through her work with the Cree Language Project, Harlee is at the forefront of Indigenous language revitalization efforts. Her dedication to preserving and teaching Plains Cree represents more than linguistics—it’s about maintaining the foundational knowledge systems that carry Indigenous worldviews, stories, and ways of understanding the world.
Merle – Strathcona Indigenous Advisory Committee
Merle’s involvement with the Strathcona Indigenous Advisory Committee demonstrates the importance of Indigenous voices in local governance and community planning. This committee serves as a bridge between Indigenous communities and Strathcona County, working on reconciliation efforts and ensuring Indigenous perspectives are included in county decisions. Merle’s work also extends to Strathcona County Library, where she helps ensure library services are accessible and relevant to Indigenous community members.
Robyn Soulier-Ritchot – Eagle Medicine
Through Eagle Medicine, Robyn Soulier-Ritchot is building bridges between traditional Indigenous healing practices and contemporary wellness approaches. Her work represents the growing recognition of Indigenous knowledge systems in health and healing, offering services that honor both ancestral wisdom and modern needs. Robyn’s entrepreneurial spirit also shines through her involvement with Business Link, where she supports other Indigenous entrepreneurs in building sustainable businesses.
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