CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

'I learned so much critical history, and in the company of colleagues who I work with every day. Two weeks after the session, I am holding KWAST-en-ayu's invitation that settlers like myself think about how to be a human first, how to be authentic and curious and relational.' Danya Pastuszek (she/her), Co-CEO, Tamarack Institute for Community Engagement.

'I really liked that the presenter made an effort to not blame "white people" (I am not white). I think it is crucial not to play the blame game but to call people in and figure out how to improve the quality of life for everyone, especially the indigenous peoples, of turtle island'.

'While I am not a parent, I found the parent-first reference to be very impactful. We are all human beings, all capable of profound emotion, including trauma. The piece in which we pretended to be the parent observing our child taken was very emotionally and I hope will touch many more peoples hearts'. Tabitha Brunner-Mitchell, ETHOS Career Management Group.

'A sobering perspective on the good and bad that has come from deep and meaningful work. We have a long way to go but KWAST-en-ayu pushes the boundaries on people's perception of Canada's relationship with First Nations and Indigenous people.'  Molly Greenway, Content Developer, ETHOS Career Management Group Ltd.

'It was extremely heartfelt, emotional, and eye-opening. A raw and vulnerable look into the continued challenging life of indigenous people.'

"Listening to the story read by two of our management staff, I have a daughter that just turned 8 two weeks ago, really hit home for me. A surreal understanding of what those families lived through has changed my heart".

“This offering by Indigenous Insight, led by KWAST-en-ayu and Qoqoq, provided me with a better understanding of the distinction between First Nation reserve communities and towns, cities and municipalities. The content and design of this session provided our group with a safe container to both learn and unlearn, all while being led by two community leaders with their own set of lived experience. The information was shared in a direct and factual way, and the facilitators created space for us to get to know them and build a relationship.” Angelina Pelletier, Associate Director, Tamarack Institute.

'Thank you for your vulnerability and sharing your experience and the experience of your community with us. It was truly eye-opening and helped me understand my privilege and freedoms I take for granted.' (CIBE participant).

'There were a number of points that I took from this session as well as the discussions that came afterwards. I found it interested to learn that Maynard was not fond of some of the awareness that is often represented around Indigenous Peoples. Campaigns such as the Red Dress day, etc., are healing for some as they address things that are often shoved under the rug. However, for others including Maynard, they are simply a reminder of pain and trauma. This is important to consider as the implications that efforts in decolonization have can often be harmful despite best intensions. I will consider these implications in my personal and professional life before implementing harmful action. I also valued the conversations had on the term reconciliation. It is often thrown around with surface level context and understanding, but can also be harmful. While reconciliation is important, it implies hardship. It is not often desirable to be looked at with pity and sadness above all else. This is still an important term, and something that we should thrive to work towards, however it is not a simple concept and should be used with respect and caution.' Meghan Bowles, Economic Development Officer, RDKS.

"We learn and correct ourselves by hearing stories. It can be difficult to hear the stories from the Indigenous people but we need to hear them to help everyone learn and recover, so we can get to a place of peace." 

"This was such an interesting and powerful presentation, I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to attend." Hannah, ETHOS Career Management Group.

'We learn and correct ourselves by hearing stories. It can be difficult to hear the stories from the Indigenous people but we need to hear them to help everyone learn and recover, so we can get to a place of peace.'

'The presentation was very informative, thought-provoking, and eye opening. It left me with a lot to think about and a better understanding of Indigenous history and experiences. The personal stories were very impactful.' (CIBE participant).

'This was an incredibly powerful session. Gaining deeper understanding of the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous people in the process of reconciliation, within a safe and inclusive environment, presents a valuable opportunity for personal growth and cultural awareness. I would strongly encourage individuals from all cultural backgrounds to participate in one of these sessions.' Maria Davidson, CEO Udutu Learning Systems Inc. (Colonized Rehab, April 14).

'It was extremely heartfelt, emotional, and eye-opening. A raw and vulnerable look into the continued challenging life of indigenous people.'

'Maynard’s cultural presentation was informative and genuine. I feel privileged that our company was able to hear him speak of his experiences with the Residential school system and growing up on an Indian Reserve. As we discussed in our meeting, the first part of reconciliation requires truth. The people of Canada need to understand the past and current challenges that Indigenous people are facing in order to get to the reconciliation stage.'

'The presentation provided not only an open look at ways in which settler culture disrespects our indigenous neighbours, but also invites us to take a deeper look into our own cultural mindset. The only way we can improve from a more profound place is by shining a light on our "inherited" assumptions -- and also by learning from other cultures; how they might provide insights for solving to our greatest challenges.' (CIBE participant).

'Maynard gives it all in this presentation. The unapologetic truth's that are told, may hit you like a building falling on you, but it leads to a better understanding of what the fight is all about...why we all need to stand up and say enough is enough...we hear you; we see you; we stand beside you. Thank you, Maynard, thank you for sharing your stories and wisdom.'

'I am an immigrant and before I was that, I am/was a child of the State. I was moved and called to action by Maynard's moving presentation. I went home and talked about the presentation and further I also spoke to my friends about the delivery of the story of 10,000 tears. It strikes me to the heart and it will strike yours'. Lama Khandro, Skills Quest for Young Adults.

'Colonizer Rehab workshop opened my heart to the realities of personal trauma experienced by the first people of this land as a result of colonization.'

'Being comfortable, is not an option. By being and having uncomfortable conversations - we progress. There's a reason they call it 'growing pains''

''Change' starts with who we are as indigenous peoples, what we need to change, where we make change, and most important is why we need to 'change' based on presentation.'

'The long history of relations between Indigenous and the Canadian settlers often excludes many details and disguises the truth, this presentation brought that things to light that I've never heard discussed before.'