Testimonials
Schlumberger
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“Melanie and Pat are exceptional presenters who teach with warmth and compassion. They created a safe environment which encouraged conversation about the sensitive information being shared.”
“Every manager and employee across Canada should take this training to become more culturally sensitive and increase inclusion! Very engaging and memorable!”
“I particularly appreciated the scientific information about the long-term health implications of intergenerational trauma on the body and brain. This is something that has never been covered in any other Indigenous awareness training I have taken! Keep spreading the word! The impact of your work is life changing!”
“Melanie and Pat have an incredible level of knowledge and did an outstanding job delivering the material in a lively way that kept everyone engaged – including moving personal stories. History was exceptionally well covered and supported by facts.”
SLB Canada
“This was a very eye-opening, emotional, and educational day. The information I learned will help me in my work and allow me to engage with Indigenous communities with a greater empathy and understanding of history, current realities as well as a more in-depth knowledge of cultural practices and protocols.”
“The passion and enthusiasm of Melanie and Pat really helped to bring the issues to life. The examples and anecdotes were very moving and have inspired me to make a positive difference in this work going forward.”
“As a newcomer to Canada, the training was very informative and challenged participants to confront existing stereotypes.”
ATCO
“Dr. Makokis facilitated in-person Indigenous Awareness training for our company. We brought staff together to learn about the colonial history of this country, and more importantly, why we all need to step in and learn this history. Having participated in the day’s learning with Dr. Makokis, staff learned about the history in an experientially based manner. Not only was the content rich and vast, but her talking circle approach to processing the content was deeply impactful. Staff listened, actively participated and overall, we had an excellent "head to heart" training day. What was foundational to the success of this training is the non-threatening introduction to unconscious bias awareness provided by Dr. Makokis and her respectful approach to self-discovery and respect for all human beings. Highly recommend working with Dr. Makokis.”
Somerville
“The training provided by Melanie and Pat was exceptionally valuable. I loved the interactive nature of the training including learning to smudge, and participating in the blanket exercise which allowed me to experience what it was like to be an Indigenous person during colonization – very eye opening.”
“I, personally, found the training extremely impactful. The experience, knowledge and exercises gave me great perspective on our nation’s past and hope for more reconciliation for the future.”
HSAA
Health Sciences Association of Alberta
“In 2019, the Health Sciences Association of Alberta partnered with Indigenous leaders and ally-oriented church members to walk 350 km from Edmonton to Calgary. The purpose of this experience was to stop in communities along the way to invite community members into a dialogue and understanding of the Treaties between settler governments and First Nations people. At the time, the HSAA Social Justice Committee impressed upon our union members the importance of joining the conversation – both in terms of understanding and action.
As healthcare practitioners who regularly treat the outcomes of unfulfilled Treaty obligations with Indigenous people, the membership of HSAA endorsed this initiative as an act of social justice, an opportunity to stand as allies, an opportunity to strengthen understanding and a commitment to the sanctity of a contract - something all union members hold dear. Because Treaties provided a framework for Indigenous people and settlers to live well on these lands together and allow all peoples in Canada to benefit from them, HSAA documented this walk in our film entitled, Treaty Walk, A Journey for Common Ground (2020). In the film, Indigenous leader, Dr. Patricia Makokis speaks of the red, yellow, black and white family members needing to work together on this lifelong learning journey. Pat and I have walked this ally teaching and learning path together for years, it’s the right journey, moving from head to heart.”
Excel Projects
Excel Projects
“Melanie and Pat, thank you for how gracious you are in meeting every participant where we are at in terms of our understanding of the issues and comfort level in discussing the topics. I left the training feeling inspired and very positive about the potential for positive change in the future. Thank you for this very important work that you do!”
“I did not know what to expect when I came to this training today, but it has been one of the best training programs I have ever attended. It has been very eye-opening, and I plan to take what I have learned and share it with anyone I can.”
Common Ground Alliance
“Great information about how to approach consultation with Indigenous Communities. There was a very broad audience in attendance spanning the country from Quebec to B.C. After the session, we were approached by an organization which wanted to share the information from Melanie and Pat’s presentation with their Indigenous Relations’ Teams.”
Trade winds to Success
“Learning about intergenerational trauma is extremely important for organizations like Trade Winds as it allows us to understand beyond the surface of how students show up. The information that Melanie Lizotte provided regarding the neurobiological impacts of intergenerational trauma on the development of the brain and body and how trauma can result in someone being stuck in a chronic state of fight or flight was very informative. It was fascinating to learn about how trauma in childhood is directly correlated with negative health outcomes later in life and can also impact our ability to learn.”
Langara College
Langara College (Vancouver)
“I had the pleasure of taking part in Melanie’s Indigenous-focused NME Trauma Responsive Educational Training Program which included 2 book studies (BRAD and WHTY) over the course of two academic years which provided strategies for professionals who are working with Indigenous students experiencing intergenerational trauma. During the program, Melanie did a phenomenal job, presenting very deep and complex materials in a very clear and understandable way, while also adding a personal touch throughout the study connecting with us personally and modelling the very principles that she taught us. The materials have been invaluable to both my work and personal life providing me a much deeper and scientifically grounded understanding of my students and clients that I interact with, and more importantly how to help them develop and succeed. I cannot more highly recommend Melanie to others that want to learn more about the effects of trauma and brain development, and ways to better provide care and support.”
“I have found the sessions with Melanie regarding the Neurobiology of Intergenerational Trauma & NME to be informative and insightful. I've not only been able to develop my ability to support my students in regulating their stress but have also developed awareness of my own regulatory strategies, which has given me a deeper and more intuitive understanding of effectively supporting and authentically connecting with others.”
Saddle Lake Cree Nation
“The time that Melanie has spent training our staff at Kihew Asiniy and her generosity in sharing her knowledge of the Neurobiology of Trauma (NME) for four entire years has made a remarkable and undeniably positive difference at our school.”
Musqueam Nation
“The exceptional training provided by Melanie Lizotte has offered guidance and details that has greatly helped me understand more about how Trauma can affect the daily lives of Indigenous Peoples. This training has allowed me to recognize how my childhood experiences have played and continue to play a role in creating different stress responses in my life. We were given tools to navigate our responses to our own trauma. This has greatly improved both my personal and professional life. I found it helpful learning these steps; as it helps me regulate, relate and reason when engaging with our Education & Training clients. I found the training has greatly assisted me to connect with our clients on a deeper level and offer more comprehensive support where needed.”
Seven Lakes Oilfield Services
“7 Lakes Oilfield Services could not be prouder of the combined efforts put forward by Patricia Makokis (Ed.D.) and Lakeland HR working with 7 Lakes corporate leadership to develop an in-house leadership training program that both met “Western and Indigenous Cultural Awareness Leadership”. The approach was delivered in such a manner that all participants were given the tools during and after the training to go out into their respected fields of business to better serve themselves, their teams, and the clients. The impact throughout the sessions was breath taking at times as leaders confronted their daily challenges in today’s workforce.”
Edmonton
International
Airport
During the training, there wasn’t a dull moment. The presenters were very dynamic, and the content was very engaging. Loved all the games and opportunities to share, ask questions and be interactive. The training was insightful and full of nuances and gut-wrenching examples from the presenter’s lives that you just don’t get when you learn from a textbook or from the media. I wish we could have more training like this on a monthly basis to keep the learning going.
What impacted me the most was how I had assumed that the negative things that happened to Indigenous people were in the past. It was very eye-opening for me to learn about the significant levels of unconscious bias and discrimination that still exist today. I am now going to be able to use this knowledge to analyse our programming at EIA with a critical lens to removing bias and systemic barriers which may unconsciously exclude Indigenous people. This could include changes to recruitment policies and making the space more welcoming for Indigenous people.
Part of being on the DEI committee and building my YEG program, is to help build understanding and empathy amongst airport community. This training has really provided greater insight and motivation related to moving in this direction. For example - Indigenous art
program which would include an Indigenous art installation
at the airport.
I had taken other Indigenous Relations Training before, but none included an explanation of the neurobiology of trauma and how it has inescapable consequences in terms of health
consequences later in life. I was extremely moved by the explanations around why it is impossible to just “get over it”! I also enjoyed the opportunities I had to hear my colleagues share their thoughts during the interactive sharing circles. I believe all attendees are better equipped to partake in discussions to support our Indigenous engagement goals. Above all this training really emphasized for me the importance of being curious, kind and having empathy for all those who enter into our airport so that Indigenous people feel safe.
IRIS NDT
The training was mind blowing, eye opening and really hit home. You really feel it in your stomach. I had a real “Ted Lasso moment” – the training makes me want to ‘be curious, NOT judgemental.’
After learning what we learned today, I can’t say ‘I didn’t know’ anymore. We need to start
questioning things that are going on in our world and start to challenge all the misconceptions, stereotypes and discrimination.
I really appreciated the opportunity for such significant learning. My lightbulb moment was learning about how historical injustices are not just part of history but are manifested via intergenerational trauma and physical and mental health outcomes in the lives of Indigenous
people in Canada TODAY.
This training motivated me to want to include an “Indigenous Learning Moment” in my regular weekly team meetings so that I can share some of the knowledge I gained today with my team.
My favorite part of the training was learning about smudging, tobacco offerings and the teachings about the difference between Indigenous worldviews and colonial worldviews and the need to find common ground or ethical space somewhere in the middle. E.g. learning about how land is sacred and is not controlled by man. Learning that ‘the land does not belong to us, it is us who belong to the land’. The training has really inspired me to want to incorporate more Indigenous teachings into the way we do our work and into our workplace.
Pivot
Airlines
Our executive team was honored to participate in Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training led
by Melanie Lizotte, B.A., M.Ed. and Patricia Makokis, EdD of Inspired Connections Consulting. The training was a highlight of the Pivot journey to date; the program was all we talked about for the last couple of days. This training was a humbling experience that deepened our understanding of the historical and ongoing socio-economic challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples in Canada. In addition to learning about the Indian Act and the tragic legacy of residential schools, we learned about the pass system that was in place from 1885 until the 1940s, which controlled the movement of Indigenous people. The pass system had devastating
and far-reaching impacts on the economies, cultures, and overall well-being of Indigenous Peoples.
We recognize that educating ourselves is a continuous learning journey. We are committed to working in allyship with Indigenous Peoples and taking steps towards creating a business and employment climate that is more intentionally inclusive of Indigenous People. This training has had a transformative impact on us as attendees and has deeply inspired us to continue our learning journey.
Town of slave Lake
I love how the presenters used the power of storytelling to paint some very vivid pictures of what life was and currently is like for Indigenous people in Canada. I loved the sharing circles and the fact that everyone had an opportunity to fully participate, share and ask questions. This training really brings enlightenment to what Indigenous people have been through. The biggest take away for me is the concept that trauma in inversely proportional to brain development in babies and children. It was extremely eye opening to me how Indigenous people have been deprived of basic rights. I am definitely leaving this training with more empathy and understanding.
I loved the passion that the presenters displayed and their story telling techniques, games, and creative and novel ways to engage our group which made learning the history and current realities so enthralling. The presenters’ knowledge regarding a vast number of historical and current concepts was impressive. For me, the most significant aspect of the training was the deep dive into the long term impact of trauma on the brain and body and even on life
expectancy. I have never attended an Indigenous training session before that teaches about generational trauma and the impact on the body and brain. Our world needs more information on the impacts of trauma. This training was very impactful and has launched a journey of self-reflection.
Meals on Wheels
This was a very special session. I really appreciated the supportive atmosphere and how the presenters deliberately made a choice to teach with love and compassion as if we are family members. This session created a strong desire to become an ally with Indigenous people and engage in some form of positive action rather than just feel guilty and do nothing to help. I loved learning about the Indian Act in a fun interactive way. I appreciated how the presenters
incorporated energizing and lively activities which made learning about such tough topics much easier to digest.
I am grateful for the vulnerability of the presenters to share so many deeply personal stories with the group that greatly help to illustrate the concepts that they are teaching about. Perhaps the most impactful aspect of the training was learning about the disproportionately negative generational impact of trauma on one’s brain and nervous system, and essentially all organ systems. I now have a deeper understanding of potential pathways to build alliances with
Indigenous people.