Community Wellness Summit: Addressing Homelessness and Substance Use Together

Register and sign up for the door prize!

• Mike Couchie, Facilitator
• Gimaa Cathy Stevens
• Brendan Huston, NFN CEO
• Dr. Christine Lalonde, NFN Director of Health Services

Sergeant Chantal Laroque Chantal Larocque is a sergeant with the Anishinabek Police Service and has been in policing for over 25 years. She is Franco Ontarian and a proud member of the Algonquins of Ontario from the Madajiwan community. She is currently in charge of the recruitment and media unit for her Service but maintains a close connection to the communities she serves.  

Visit booths and engage with representatives, including:

• Naloxone Booth

• North Bay Indigenous Hub

Panelists include:

• Tyler Dokis: Tyler Dokis is an experienced professional in Indigenous youth support, serving as Gwekwaadziwin Coordinator at Giiyak Moseng, and previously working as a Mental Health & Addiction Worker, Nishnaabemwin and Indigenous Studies Teacher, and in the Waaban Youth Court Diversion Program, helping youth overcome challenges through education and care.
• Kenneth Hazel: My name is Ken Hazell and I am a member of Nipissing First Nation. I work on behalf of the administration as Manager for Giyak Moseng The Right Path Mental Health Counseling and Prevention Services. I am a returner to the community and have spent most of my adult life living and working abroad. I have recently completed coursework to be designated as a Certified First Nation Health Manager. I appreciate the opportunity to work on behalf of my Nation and support our membership not only as a member of Nipissing First Nation but also as a community member who lives in community. Miigwech.
• Shari Bentley: Shari Bentley, Gwekwaadziwin Clinical Coordinator has worked with NFN for 6 years, with a background in social work and psychology, has made strong connections within the community while continuing to expand her knowledge in cultural landbased healing. Previously worked for NBRHC with inpatient withdrawal management for 8 years, and with those clinical skills has implemented rapid access addiction medicine services for NFN members and affiliates. She is passionate about building community capacity to better serve community members to access strength bases models of healing.
• Lisa Lurz: Lisa Lurz has been an employee of Nipissing First Nation for over 17 years as a member of Giyak Moseng/The Right Path.  She is originally from Kapuskasing, Ontario but has made North Bay her home for 28 years.  Prior to working in Nipissing, Lisa was the Program Supervisor for the Nipissing Detoxification & Substance Abuse Programs (a former department of the North Bay Regional Health Centre) for 4 years.  She spent 7 years working for Community Counselling Centre of Nipissing as an Addictions Counsellor and prior to that she was employed at Hearst, Kapuskasing, Smooth Rock Falls Counselling Services.  She has served on a number of boards and committees over the years and has a passion for her work. 

Alyssa Bedard, Community Development Coordinator, North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit Alyssa Bedard is from North Bay. She is a Community Development Coordinator with North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit. She has spent 8 years working in community health, focused on supporting schools with health promotion related to physical activity, healthy eating and substance use prevention. She currently coordinates the Planet Youth Nipissing initiative, which aims to prevent substance use and improve wellbeing among youth. Alyssa is a music-lover, cross-country skier, and proud aunt. 

Enjoy a shared community supper!

Dr. Brenda Restoule,  Dr. Brenda M Restoule (Waub Zhe Kwens) is from Dokis First Nation (Anishnaabe), Eagle Clan and lives on Nipissing First Nation with her family. She is a mother, wife, daughter, sister, auntie and cousin. Dr. Restoule is a registered clinical psychologist and provides services primarily to Nipissing First Nation through Giyak Moseng – The Right Path Counseling and Prevention Services. She has worked for NFN Health Services for 25 years offering clinical and consulting services that resulted in expansion to the program, new program funding and visioned alongside community members and elders on NFN’s model of care, Wiidooktaadyang. Dr. Restoule is also the Chief Executive Officer of the First Peoples Wellness Circle which is an Indigenous led national organization dedicated to raising the profile of Indigenous mental wellness using Indigenous knowledge and evidence. She was instrumental in some key First Nation mental wellness constructs and programs in Canada, including the creation and implementation of the First Nation Mental Wellness Continuum Framework and advising on the Honoring Our Strength Renewal Framework on the NNADAP program, both of which are used widely within Indigenous Services Canada and First Nation regional and community organizations as well as the development of First Nation Mental Wellness Teams which are located across the country. Dr. Restoule works with First Nation communities, Indigenous organizations regionally and nationally, non-Indigenous health organizations and consults with provincial and federal governments on Indigenous mental wellness. She has participated in countless advisory committees and working groups, and chaired several task groups and projects to identify and define programs, services, and policies grounded in First Nation knowledge and evidence intended to change systems that will lead to equity and improvement in wellness for First Nations people across Turtle Island. She has been an invited trainer and speaker and authored book chapters and training manuals on First Nations mental wellness that centers First Nation knowledge, practices and evidence. Some of Dr. Restoule’s past work experience includes the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, working with federally incarcerated Indigenous women, children’s mental health and, urban and First Nation mental wellness programs. She has particular interest in cultural safety, First Nation community development and capacity building, and reducing suicide rates in First Nation communities using First Nation knowledge and practices. 

Register and sign up for the door prize!

• Mike Couchie, Facilitator

Dr. Brenda Restoule,  Dr. Brenda M Restoule (Waub Zhe Kwens) is from Dokis First Nation (Anishnaabe), Eagle Clan and lives on Nipissing First Nation with her family. She is a mother, wife, daughter, sister, auntie and cousin. Dr. Restoule is a registered clinical psychologist and provides services primarily to Nipissing First Nation through Giyak Moseng – The Right Path Counseling and Prevention Services. She has worked for NFN Health Services for 25 years offering clinical and consulting services that resulted in expansion to the program, new program funding and visioned alongside community members and elders on NFN’s model of care, Wiidooktaadyang. Dr. Restoule is also the Chief Executive Officer of the First Peoples Wellness Circle which is an Indigenous led national organization dedicated to raising the profile of Indigenous mental wellness using Indigenous knowledge and evidence. She was instrumental in some key First Nation mental wellness constructs and programs in Canada, including the creation and implementation of the First Nation Mental Wellness Continuum Framework and advising on the Honoring Our Strength Renewal Framework on the NNADAP program, both of which are used widely within Indigenous Services Canada and First Nation regional and community organizations as well as the development of First Nation Mental Wellness Teams which are located across the country. Dr. Restoule works with First Nation communities, Indigenous organizations regionally and nationally, non-Indigenous health organizations and consults with provincial and federal governments on Indigenous mental wellness. She has participated in countless advisory committees and working groups, and chaired several task groups and projects to identify and define programs, services, and policies grounded in First Nation knowledge and evidence intended to change systems that will lead to equity and improvement in wellness for First Nations people across Turtle Island. She has been an invited trainer and speaker and authored book chapters and training manuals on First Nations mental wellness that centers First Nation knowledge, practices and evidence. Some of Dr. Restoule’s past work experience includes the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, working with federally incarcerated Indigenous women, children’s mental health and, urban and First Nation mental wellness programs. She has particular interest in cultural safety, First Nation community development and capacity building, and reducing suicide rates in First Nation communities using First Nation knowledge and practices. 

Visit booths and engage with representatives, including:

• Naloxone Booth

• North Bay Indigenous Hub

Dan Commanda - Dan Commanda, an Anishnaabe artist from Garden Village, Nipissing First Nation, has made a profound impact on the Indigenous arts and cultural community. He is a multifaceted artist known for his exceptional work as painter, dancer, singer, musician, and regalia artist. His expertise spans a wide range of traditional materials and techniques including quillworking, birch bark, feathers, fish scales, pine needles, red willow, sweet grass and hides.

Dan’s artistic journey began with the Manitoulin Arts Project on Schreiber Island, where he learned from artists including Daphne Odjig and Carl Ray. He went on to study at Portage College, graduating with distinction from the Indigenous Cultural Arts Instructor program.

A Traditional Pow Wow dancer since 1975, Dan played a pivotal role in establishing the Jocko Point Traditional Pow Wow of Nipissing First Nation in 1998, and he has remained an integral part of the organizing committee for 25 years.

Throughout his career, Dan has collaborated with countless organizations and communities nationwide, including the Near North District School Board (Ont.), the Mascwachis Life Skills Program (Alta.) and the Native Women’s Group of Peterborough (Ont.). Currently, he is leading the design and coordination of a large-scale mosaic installation at Canadore College in North Bay, based on the Seven Grandfather Teachings. A dedicated teacher and mentor, Dan is committed to sharing his knowledge with the next generation of educators – encouraging his students to teach others, while remaining a lifelong student himself. His passion and commitment to the arts were recognized in 2018 when he was a finalist for the Premier’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts in the Artist category.

Enjoy a shared community lunch!

Panelists include:

• Katryna McLeod: My name is Katryna McLeod, I am the supervisor for the Mkaana’aa wii-giiwe’aad Program with the Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services in Sudbury Ontario. I have been in this field of work for just under 6 years, I began my journey working in low barrier shelter, then went into residential work including harm reduction homes. Alongside my Supervisor role with OAHS, I also work in Community Outreach. These roles provide me with the ability to work with individuals experiencing homelessness and to support them in their housing journey all while incorporating traditional knowledge and healing practices. When not working, I find balance and inspiration through time spent out on the land with my dog Kenzo and spending quality time with my Ioved ones. I am also passionate about my health and wellness and spend many hours in the gym to maintain my physical and mental health. These moments help me maintain balance in my professional and personal life.
• Donna Forget: Donna Forget has been the manager of the True Self Debwewendizwin with Nipissing First Nation since starting the program in 2006. She is a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces and a true thriver on her healing journey from inter-partner violence and sexual assault. Donna has been active in the community involved with the Mental Health and Violence Against Women sectors for over 25 years sitting on boards and committees with various organizations and has remained actively involved in the peer support movement over the past twenty-five years locally provincially and federally. She has received many recognitions and awards for her work and dedication including the Nipissing Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee Frontline Support Service Award, registered as a Woman of Outstanding Contribution by The Global Society of Empowered Women, Peer Works inaugural Theresa Claxton Community Impact Award and OPDI Lighthouse Awards “Organizational Community Builders Award” presented to the True Self Debwewendizwin Program.
• John MacKenzie, Supervisor of Outreach Services with True Self – Debwewendizwin: John joined the team in 2021 after completing a student placement with the agency through the Mental Health and Addiction course. He represents True Self at many boards and community circles and facilitates the Coordinated Access Nipissing Team.  Known for his dedication, outgoing personality and dynamic leadership style, John excels at fostering collaboration, empowerment, and community-driven solutions. He brings a wealth of professional and lived experience to the panel and a deep understanding of the challenges the vulnerable population faces.
• Josh Faubert: Josh Faubert is a proud member of the Teme-Augama Anishnabai and the Temagami First Nation. He joined the True Self Debwewendizwin, NFN team in 2023 as a Peer Outreach Worker. He is a recent graduate from Nipissing University’s School of Social Work. With a background in mental health, addiction, and social work, Josh is committed to finding innovative and effective ways to help individuals navigate their challenges through a peer approach.
• Keith Goulais: Keith "Bean-nish" Goulais, a proud member of Nipissing First Nation, was raised in Garden Village, where his childhood was filled with swimming, road hockey, hunting, and exploring the wilderness. His early career saw him as a key team member at Brock Solutions and The Panel Shop, working on critical infrastructure projects, including the Walkerton Water Crisis and automation system upgrades across Ontario. Seeking a new path, Keith joined the Canadian Forces as an aircraft systems technician on the CC-130 Hercules. He later served as part of NATO’s Afghanistan mission, contributing to efforts to rebuild and secure the country. However, life took a difficult turn, leading to federal incarceration for home invasion and aggravated assault, followed by a period of homelessness in Sudbury’s Salvation Army halfway house. Despite these hardships, Keith has found a renewed purpose. Now serving as the Peer Outreach Support Team Lead for True Self Debwewendizwin in Garden Village, he is dedicated to meeting people where they are in life, offering support, and encouraging holistic, healthy choices. His journey reflects resilience, transformation, and a commitment to giving back to his community in meaningful ways.
• Shannon Gilligan

• Mike Couchie, Facilitator
• Gimaa Cathy Stevens
• Brendan Huston, NFN CEO
• Dr. Christine Lalonde, NFN Director of Health Services