Our Team

Ishbel has been an activist and community builder for over 50 years, and has developed projects like “On Common Ground”, which brought together the African Nova Scotian, Mi’Kmaq, Acadian and fishing communities to learn about each other’s culture and histories. The thread that runs throughout her life is the creation of a more balanced, just world – where people can heal and grow to become the people they dream of being.

Vanessa loves working in Circle to share spirit led knowledge and experiences that combat colonialism and contribute to the wellbeing in each of us. She is an Anishanaabekwe living in Winnipeg. She is from Peguis First Nation, has Ojibwe, Cree and Irish/Settler blood, and belongs to the Mikinak/Turtle and Doud Clan. In all the Circles of her life Vanessa is an Oshkaabewis/Helper to The People.

Renée originates from Wildwood Alberta and is a 5th generation Canadian of Ukrainian, French and Métis descent. She is the Executive Director of the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Right, and is founder of Ainembabazi Children’s Project and the Coalition for Justice and Human Rights. Since 2015, Renée also serves as a Director for Women in International Security Canada, a professional network of women in the peace and security field. Her educational background includes a Master’s of Political Science from the University of Alberta with a focus on international political economy, global governance and peace building.

Su is a member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation who has been a strong voice for environmental, social justice, and the upholding of Indigenous and Treaty rights, and disability and gender rights for many years. She has been a member of Righting Relations for 10 years in various positions. She has a passion for the unity of all peoples and the protection of Mother Earth. Her four children, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren motivate her to strive for a better world.

has been the Regina Circle Coordinator for many years, and the phrase “righting relations” describes her work and her goals, at both the familial and corporate level. Her heart’s desire is to be in a right relationship with the Creator and her family; and to build and strengthen healthy, respectful relationships among people of different cultures, races, genders, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds.

Stephanie Hill is a Haudenosaunee mother, grandmother, land defender, water warrior, helper and teacher from Six Nations on the Grand River. She is Mohawk from the Turtle Clan and lives and works in Tkaranto.

Stephanie has been a supporter, helper, teacher, and facilitator for over fifteen years. She has worked with Miziwe Biik, The Jean Tweed Centre, Women’s Rural Resource Centre Strathroy, and Native Child and Family Services Toronto, amongst others, and was Vice-President of the Circle of Directors for Anduhyaun Inc. Stephanie uses traditional teachings and ceremony from different nations to open up dialogue about roles and responsibilities in community.

Anne is the Director of Programs at the Catherine Donnelly Foundation. She is passionate about finding ways for adult educators and community organizers to build a movement of social and environmental change across our many geographies. She has over 20 years of experience in the non-profit realm and sees philanthropy’s responsibility to catalyze change.