This webinar will explore colonial influences within disability support systems, delve into the unique experiences of neurodiverse Indigenous childhood and youth, and unpack the challenges and opportunities faced when transitioning into adulthood. Join us for a comprehensive look at neurodiversity across different life stages, with a focus on creating a more supportive future. 

Speaker Nicole Ineese-Nash (she/her) is an Oji-Cree educator, researcher, and community helper whose work focuses on Indigenous community development, mental health and wellbeing, education, and land-based practices. She is a member of Constance Lake First Nation in Treaty 9 territory and resides and works in Tkaronto. Nicole is an assistant professor in the schools of Early Childhood Studies and Child and Youth Care at Toronto Metropolitan University, as well as the academic coordinator of the Indigenous Child and Youth Engagement Certificate at the Chang School of Continuing Education. Nicole founded and serves as the executive director of a national non-profit organization called a Finding Our Power Together, which provides mental health resources to Indigenous communities across Canada. Nicole has worked directly with Indigenous youth, children, and communities for over a decade and seeks research and teaching opportunities that promote Indigenous self-determination and resurgence.

River Valade River Valade (they/he) is Métis (with roots to the Red River Métis Community), Black (African Diaspora) and Ukrainian. River is a Mental Health Counsellor (MSW, RSW), Helper and Community Worker with 5+ years of experience working with urban Indigenous families and youth. He is passionate about walking alongside Indigenous youth on their journeys and helping them to discover and nurture their gifts. River holds a Bachelors’ of Social Work degree from McMaster University and a Masters’ degree in Social Work (specializing in Indigenous wholistic social work practice) from Wilfrid Laurier University. As someone who walks in-between multiple worlds in their identity as a Métis, Mixed-Race, Neurodivergent and Two-Spirit youth – River has gone on their own journey to explore what it means to be who they are, the gifts he carries, and his roles and responsibilities as an Indigenous person.

Date: July 18, 2024

Time: 10:00AM – 11:30 AM (PST)

Location: Virtual session via Zoom

Register here: https://homesharingbc.ca/events/neurodiversity-and-indigeneity-from-childhood-to-adulthood/?mc_cid=ee9004a9e5&mc_eid=ffa1bdf18d

*Once registered the link to the session will be sent out the day prior to the event. 

Registration closes two days before the event at 4:00 PM. To ensure your participation, please register before this deadline.