The Indigenous Advisory Council is essential to advancing Truth and Reconciliation work at Siloam Mission. Acting as cultural knowledge holders, the IAC works with Siloam’s Leadership and Board by ensuring a diversity of Indigenous perspectives are shared in Siloam’s delivery of programs and services, developing and revising policies, as well as advancing relations and partnerships with other organizations in order to help us better meet the needs of those whom we serve.
Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
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30 Days of Reconciliation
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Indigenous Advisory Council
Amanda Fredlund (she/her) is Tłı̨chǫ Dene from Churchill, MB, and holds an advanced bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Studies from the University of Manitoba Amanda has worked for a number of Indigenous organizations, including the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation where she was a part of an incredible team working to preserve and share such important truths. As the daughter of a Residential School Survivor, it was very humbling to be a part of such important work and to meet so many inspiring survivors who are working diligently and with deep courage to ensure their Truths are never forgotten. Amanda is inspired by her Family and Elders to be a storyteller. Sharing Indigenous stories by Indigenous voices to current many inaccurate narratives that perpetuate misunderstanding. Amanda currently works for an Indigenous Governance organization in the area of Communications.
Derek Hart (Okimaw Mikisiw) is a member of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. Derek has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science & Criminal Justice, and an Honor’s degree in Public Administration. In October, 2022, Derek received his Master’s Diploma in Public Administration (MPA). Derek has worked for the Manitoba Justice Department in ‘Probation services’ and for the Manitoba Indian Education Association as a ‘High School Education Councilor’. In 2019 Derek was a cultural assistant for the closing ceremonies of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s and Girls (MMIWG) and in 2010, he was the Cultural Coordinator for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) first National event held in Winnipeg. Derek is also the Education Day Coordinator for the Manito Ahbee Festival and currently works for Parks Canada as the Knowledge Weaver for the Manitoba Field Unit South.
Jason Whitford is the President and CEO of End Homelessness Winnipeg. Jason formerly served as Executive Director of Shawenim Abinoooji. During his previous tenure as program manager at Eagle Urban Transition Centre, Jason co-authored “Examining the Urban Aboriginal Policy Gap: Impacts on Service Delivery for Mobile Aboriginal Peoples in Winnipeg, Canada.” Jason is a graduate of the Business Administration program at Red River College and the Human Resource and Management program at the University of Winnipeg.
Jenny Foidart (she/they) is Red River Métis from Treaty One with Ukrainian, Icelandic, and Scottish ancestry. Born, raised, and currently living in Winnipeg, Jenny is a student, mother, singer, artist and activist. Currently in Year 3 of a Bachelor of Arts of Indigenous Studies at the University of Winnipeg, Jenny helped develop Siloam’s Indigenous Resource Library as part of an internship in early 2022. Foidart facilitates educational tours of Indigenous exhibitions at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, organizes with collective Red River Echoes, and is passionate about finding creative ways to future build with community.
Kendell Joiner (Méstaéhotóá’e) is an American-born, proud member of the Northern Cheyenne Nation located in Southeast Montana. Having grown up around his tribe and culture, the values of community, unity, and the common-good are centrepiece lessons that he carries in his current role as the Chief Executive Pathfinder of the Native Clan Organization. The Native Clan Organization is an Indigenous organization that takes a culturally centered approach of healing with our relatives returning back to their communities or starting new lives after contact with the justice system. Kendell holds multiple undergraduate degrees in Criminal Justice, Corrections, and possesses a Master of Public Administration education that he utilizes to change systems and make our world a more balanced and empathetic one. Kendell serves on a number of boards, advisory councils, and community groups such as serving as the Co-Chair for the Winnipeg Indigenous Executive Circle, the Combined Community Council for the Salvation Army Centre of Hope, and Siloam Mission’s Indigenous Advisory Council to name a few.
Kaila Johnston is a member of Ochapowace First Nation (Treaty 4) but grew up and works in Winnipeg (Treaty 1). She is the Supervisor of Education, Outreach, and Public Programming at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR). In this role, Kaila oversees matters related to the support of educators, development of resources, establishment of outreach initiatives, as well as public engagement on residential schools and their legacy. Prior to the NCTR, Kaila worked with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) as a statement gatherer and coordinator to support statement gathering activities. She holds a BA (Hons.) in Criminal Justice from the University of Winnipeg and a M.Sc. in International Crimes and Criminology from Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam.
Skye McLean is a student at the University of Winnipeg pursuing an Indigenous Studies and Inner City Studies degree. Skye is also an entrepreneur running her own small Indigenous art business. Growing up in Winnipeg’s inner city; she faced issues such as homelessness, poverty, addiction, and violence. Skye became deeply passionate about harm reduction, the right to safety, and the sharing of Indigenous knowledge as a result of her experiences. Her medicine is traditional beading, and being connected to her roots enables her to live ‘miyo pimatisiwin’, or “the good life.” Her goal is to help improve lives in Winnipeg and help them heal.
Knowledge Keeper Florence Paynter (Blue Thunderbird Woman) is from Sandy Bay First Nation and a band member of Norway House Cree Nation. She is a third degree Mide Anishinabekwe and holds a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Manitoba. Florence speaks Anishinabe fluently and has been involved in many language and cultural initiatives and ceremonies. She helps teach the cultural and spiritual knowledge and traditions of the Anishinabe people. Florence attended residential school and works hard to teach others about the history of First Nations people, the legacy of Indian residential schools, and its impact on us as people.
Florence is member of the Grandparent Council of the City of Winnipeg, which meets regularly to help one another with issues and concerns and provide advice. She is also a member of the Speakers Bureau for the Treaty Relations Commission. Florence has shared teachings about First Nations laws and cultures for many years. She was one of the contributors in the “Anishinaabe Nibi Inaakonigewin Report” (2013) which was produced by the University of Manitoba’s Centre for Human Rights Research and Public Interest Law Centre about Anishinaabe water laws. She is also one of the authors of “Ogichi Tibakonigawyin, Kihche Othasowewin, Tako Wakan: The Great Binding Law,” developed with other Knowledge Keepers at the Turtle Lodge and a co-author of Wahbanung – The Resurgence of a People: Clearing the Path for our Survival, publication pending.