Joanne Dallaire

Joanne's ancestry is Cree, Omushkego from Attawapiskat, Ontario
Joanne has made extraordinary contributions in the areas counselling, advising and educating on Aboriginal issues and empowering and capacity building within the Aboriginal community and non-Aboriginal community at large.
She had dedicated her career to serving the Aboriginal community and advocating for change in terms of broader societal relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. Through her work in her own business at Healing Works and her work with larger agencies she has contributed to transforming the lives of individuals, and the culture of agencies and the recognition and respect for Aboriginal people, issues and contributions within main stream society.
Joanne's work with individuals is about embracing authenticity, fostering personal growth and empowerment, and celebrating and utilizing the unique gifts and skills that each person has within them. Joanne is a pipe carrier, a seer and gives names, colours and clans, and the keeper of many traditional ceremonies. Joanne is committed to working with others in every arena where Aboriginal issues need to be engaged with.Joanne received an Honorary Doctor of Laws in the Community Service Faculty at Ryerson University June 2011.
She currently sits as the Elder on Ryerson’s Aboriginal Education Council, works with various Aboriginal agencies in Toronto and the National Capital region and is a visiting Elder at Dodem’s sister agency Kumik.