Our Team

Shift Lab Stewards

Ben Weinlick

Executive Director,
Skills Society

Founder of Action Lab and Co-Founder of Edmonton Shift Lab, Ben was active in creating one of the first social innovation labs in western Canada. He is the founder of an innovation network called Think Jar Collective. One of the stewards of the Edmonton Shift Lab.

Sameer Singh

Co-founder
Edmonton Shift Lab

Sameer Singh is a social innovator and co-founder of the Edmonton Shift Lab. He melds journalism and design with public engagement. He holds an MBA from the Rotman School of Business and an MJ from Carleton University. 

Shift Lab 2.0 Team

Avery Letendre

Core Team Member
Shift Lab 2.0

Avery, Native Studies Instructor  at the  U of A.  She is  working toward decolonization in Canada and is keen to build bridges, and share knowledge. Avery serves on the Board of Governors at the Bissell Centre and was a Core Team Member for Shift Lab 2.0.

Dr. Carla Hilario

Assistant Professor University of BC

Dr. Carla Hilario is a Professor in the School of Nursing at UBC (Okanagan), which is located on Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory. Her research serves to improve young people's health by addressing  health issues and access to care, among equity-deserving groups.

Rabia Naseer

Project Manager

Rabia Naseer has over 15 years of experience working on community development, anti-racism, and human-centered design projects. Rabia holds a Master's degree in Educational Policy Studies with a focus on Social Justice and International Studies in Education.

Rebecca Craver

Advocate

Rebecca is a pastor in the Moravian Church in North America. In her professional life, Rebecca has focused her attention on institutional transformation. She is also the co-host of the podcast, Create in Me, about Christian worship, creativity and spirituality.

Advisors/Consultants

Roberta Taylor

Award Winning
Game Designer

Roberta Taylor is the designer of multiple award-winning board games. She is passionate about using games to tell stories, awaken curiosity, and create empathy.

Ron J. Lameman

President International Indian Treaty Council

Ronald [Ron] J. Lameman is a citizen of the Beaver Lake Cree Nation and the President of the International Indian Treaty Council. Ron was also active in each phase of the development of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Elliott Young

Ermineskin
Cree Nation

Member of Ermineskin Cree Nation, and works to help Indigenous people. He talks to many organizations making sure that everyone's voice is heard and that no one is left behind. Elliott studied Native Studies and Community Engagement at the UofA to help communities.

Liam Burns

Director of Digitization

Liam Burns is an independent game designer from Edmonton Alberta. Working full time as a IT Specialist for the Armed Forces, Liam spends his time (when he's not chasing his three kids around the house) between board games, mixed martial arts, and 3d printing.

Ryan Janvier

Graphic Designer
Software Developer

Rooted in his  deep connection to the land, Ryan's work is guided by a great belief in the role of technology in sharing Indigenous culture. In all his projects, he is dedicated to incorporating Indigenous perspectives and values, ensuring their authenticity.

IKWC/YIEF personnel

James Knibb-Lamouche

Director of Innovation and Research

James is Cree/Métis from kapawe’no on Treaty 8. Is the Director of Innovation and Research at the IKWC, and was a Research Fellow at Harvard Medical, and a Research Officer with the National Aboriginal Health. His background in research, Indigenous Knowledge and in the making of educational resources, provides access to traditional teachings as the foundation of educational success.

Tiffany Smith

Program Director
Blossoming Flower

Tiffany Smith is the Program Director of the Yellowhead Indigenous Education Foundation’s Blossoming Flower Education program. “By building relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people we can learn about each other, which will lead to a less racist society in time.”

Shayna Arcand

Interim Communications Manager

Shayna Arcand, is a nêhiyaw-iskwêw (Cree woman) from Alexander First Nation. Receiving Bachelor’s Degree in Native Studies from the University of Alberta in 2019. Shayna works at the IKWC in Edmonton, Alberta, as the Interim Communications Manager & Special Projects Worker.

Megan Auger

Interviewer/Researcher

Megan Auger is an Interviewer/Researcher at the IKWC. She obtained her B.A. in Anthropology from MacEwan University in 2017 and is currently working towards a B.A in Sociology. Her interests include reading, photography, travelling, and learning about different cultures.

Rhonda Gladue

 Senior Researcher

Rhonda Gladue is from  Kito Sahkahikan in Treaty 8 Territory. She completed her formal education at U of A, graduating with her B.Ed. in Secondary Education and Native Studies Degree. The other form of education she received/s derives from Traditional Cree teachings and protocols taught by Elders and Knowledge Keepers of her community.

Brandon Alexis

Digital Archivist and Media

Brandon Alexis Is a Digital Archivist and Media for IKWC. He is from the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation. His position is to manage a storage system with all forms of Media Files and operate film equipment for research and interviews.

Shauntee Fryingpan

Researcher/Resource Developer

Shauntee Fryingpan is a Researcher/Resource Developer at the IKWC. She graduated from the University of Alberta with her B.Ed. Part of her role is to populate the IKWC Virtual Library with a specialized collection of resources for First Nation students and Educators.

Our Supporters:

Pe Metawe Games

Pe Metawe Games Supports Exploring wâhkôhtowin Game Initiative!

We are thrilled to share that Pe Metawe Games proudly stands as a dedicated supporter of the Exploring wâhkôhtowin Game initiative.

Did you know that Pe Metawe Games is an Indigenous-owned and community-focused retailer nestled in the heart of Alberta Avenue, situated in Treaty 6 Territory? Our mission is straightforward yet profound: to cultivate a safe and inclusive space for historically marginalized groups who share our love for tabletop gaming.

Pe Metawe Games emerged as an extension of Pe Metawe Consulting, a testament to our deep-rooted commitment to community engagement and fostering connections.

At Pe Metawe Games, they take pride in curating a diverse array of tabletop games, placing a special emphasis on amplifying voices from BIPOC and queer creators. They firmly believe in the power of representation and are dedicated to uplifting voices that have long been marginalized in the gaming industry.

Pe Metawe Games is on the brink of releasing its inaugural Indigenous-themed game, drawing inspiration from Blackfoot hunting processes. But their journey doesn't stop there. They are actively exploring avenues to publish more Indigenous-themed and designed games throughout 2024 and beyond!

Eager to learn more about Pe Metawe Games and our forthcoming releases?
Visit them at shop.pemetawe.com or connect with them through various social media platforms under Pe Metawe Games.

Thank you to Our Sponsors

Exploring wâhkôhtowin is supported by the  Skills Society, Action Lab, Edmonton Community Foundation, Government of Alberta and Edmonton Heritage Council. We acknowledge the support of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation with funding provided by the Government of Canada

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