Keynote Speaker 2023 – Dr. Brenda M Restoule
Join us in a conversation with our 2023 keynote speaker, Brenda Restoule and Tyler Simmonds bringing a two eyed seeing approach to the theme of Inspiring Hope through Community Action
Dr. Brenda M Restoule (Waub Zhe Kwens) from Dokis First Nation (Ojibwa) and from the Eagle Clan, is a registered clinical psychologist. Dr. Restoule is the Chief Executive Officer of the First Peoples Wellness Circle which is an Indigenous led natio nal organization dedicated to raising the profile of Indigenous mental wellness using Indigenous knowledge and evidence. Primary work of FPWC is implementation of the First Nation Mental Wellness Continuum Framework to which she is a co-chair of the Implementation Team and developing a network of supports for Mental Wellness Teams across the country. Her work spans from providing clinical and consulting services to First Nations communities in Anishinabek territory to consultation with provincial and federal governments on Indigenous mental wellness to an invited trainer and speaker to authoring book chapters and training manuals. Some of Dr. Restoule’s past work experience includes the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and 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.