Public Security Indigenous Advisory Committee

Cunningham, Bradley

Bradley Cunningham is a Community Justice and Mediation Program Coordinator with the Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council and currently a board member of the Metis Settlements Appeal Tribunal. He is a Director on the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services and started a men’s healing group, Peavine Men’s Group. Previously, he served as board member for the High Prairie Native Friendship Centre.Bradley has various training and certifications, including being a trained facilitator in First Responders to Sexual Abuse.

Flamand, Helen

Helen Flamand, as current Special Project Coordinator for Bigstone Justice and Public Safety, has been involved in the justice field for over 35 years in such capacities as Court worker and Court supervisor with Native Counseling Services of Alberta and Siksika Justice. She has sat on many boards including John Howard Society, Elizabeth Fry Society, and the Alberta Native Friendship Centre’s Association. Helen attended the University of Lethbridge and was called as an expert witness on Residential Schools and Sentencing Circles.

MacPhee, David

David MacPhee, as President of the Aseniwuche Winewak Nation, has over 20 years experience in leadership roles. He has expertise in aspects of operational activities including strategic planning, financial budget management, capital planning and Indigenous culture and practices. He has been on various boards including Weyerhaeuser Public Advisory Group and Susa Creek Co-operative. David has a certificate of Indigenous Leadership Governance and Management Excellence from the Banff Centre and received the Milton Joachim Memorial Award.

Nepinak, Josie

Josie Nepinak is the Executive Director of Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society and has a 25-year background steeped in complex, social issues working with Indigenous organizations and advocating for Indigenous women and families affected by family violence. Josie believes in a balanced approach, with teachings of Indigenous wisdom and healing in combination with contemporary western methodologies. Josie has a degree in Women's Studies and was Chair of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Committee in Calgary.

Oka, Tyler

Tyler Oka began his career in the criminal justice field on the Blood Reserve in 2009 and is currently a Federal Reintegration worker with the Kainai Transition Centre Society, Community Corrections Program. He is also currently the Public Complaints Director/Member of the Blood Tribe Police Commission for the Blood Tribe Police Service. Tyler has a Bachelor of Professional Arts in Criminal Justice Studies from Athabasca University and a Criminal Justice Diploma from the Lethbridge College.

Thiessen, Earl

Earl Thiessen, as current Executive Director of the Oxford House Foundation of Canada, is a dedicated leader with over 13 years' experience in the addictions and mental health sector. Earl sits on numerous boards including the Calgary Mental Health and Addiction Leadership Group, Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities, and the Government of Alberta Coordinated Community Response to Homelessness Task Force. Earl's formal education includes Addiction Studies, Indigenous Leadership, and Non-Profit Business Management.

Telford, Karen

Karen Telford is a small business owner and was recently appointed to the K Division Commanding Officer Indigenous Advisory Council. She has previous experience in all aspects of the judicial system including being a Justice Worker establishing a Youth Justice Committee for Frog Lake and Fishing Lake. She was former Chairperson for the Fishing Lake Metis Settlement and Trustee for Northland School Division. She has a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Calgary and is currently working on a Bachelor of Arts in nêhiyawêwin.

Bourque, Sharon

Sharon’s background encompasses over 29 plus years as an Aboriginal Engagement Consultant, teacher and police officer. She currently works as a School Team Advisor for Youth in the School of Alternative Education with Edmonton Catholic Schools. Prior to this she enjoyed challenging careers as an Aboriginal Engagement Consultant with the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate, as a teacher (FNMI Coordinator/Counsellor, Assistant Principal and Teacher Consultant) with Edmonton Public Schools and as a police officer with Edmonton Police Service. Sharon has a degree in Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies, and Master of Education degree at the University of Alberta. She also completed the MEd Final Capping Paper titled, “Petikweh (Coming In) – Reclamation of Two Spirit Identity,”.

Manywounds, Teddy

Teddy Manywounds is currently a Director of Justice G4, Tsuut’ina Nation G4 Stoney Nakoda – Tsuut’ina Tribal Council (SNTTC), providing tools and resources to support creating inclusive equity in the Tsuut’ina Nation. Teddy has volunteered with numerous organizations including the Bear Clan Patrol assisting the vulnerable Frist Nations population of Calgary and is the creator and developer of the ‘We are Here Podcast’ for Tsuut’ina Nation. Teddy has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Parsons New School for Design, New York City.

Orr, Marlene

Marlene Orr is the Chief Executive Officer for Native Counselling Services of Alberta and member of the Parole Board of Canada’s National Indigenous Circle since 2019. She is an Indigenous leader and manager with extensive experience in addressing issues impacting public safety, Indigenous people, justice, and corrections. Marlene has a certificate in Business Management from Nicola Valley Institute of Technology and extensive certificate training including alternative dispute resolution, employment training, and leadership. 

Sinclair, Scott

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