New Keeper of the Circle
We are thrilled to welcome Aliesha Desjarlais into the role of guiding our circle, working with our students, elders, staff, Keepers of the Vision and partners to share theological and cross-cultural education and hold a space for reconciliation where Christian and Indigenous spirituality can meet.
Aliesha has been married for over 24 years and has raised 2 children from her multi-faith home in Baaskaandibewiziibing (Brokenhead Ojibway Nation) in Manitoba since she was 18 years old; she is fortunate to have had the blessing of being welcomed at a young age, encircled, and trained in the values and ways of her Community.
Aliesha has over 20 years’ experience working for Brokenhead Ojibway Nation in various roles within Health, Social Development, Entrepreneurship, and Food Sovereignty. Her established respect and trust, coupled with her MBA (Mop and Bucket Attitude) resulted in creative initiatives and programming that maximized resources and positively impacted individuals’ personal lives, the Organization, and the Community as a whole. Aliesha instructs with the Legacy Bowes Group and First Nations Health Managers Association that trains First Nation Leaders in strategic planning, leadership, and essential human resources. As a Certified First Nations Health Manager, Career Coach, and Quality Assurance and Technical Assistance Specialist, Aliesha has demonstrated proficiency in fostering grassroots methods, strong teamwork, and results-centered leadership.
Aliesha strives daily to be as grounded as the buffalo while dancing free like the hummingbird. Her family life, career, and spiritual beliefs help her to observe, listen, and put into practice the values taught to her by the First People of Turtle Island. She relates to others with authenticity and sincerity, believing that individuals have the right to determine their own path in life, family, and beliefs while understanding that we come into each other’s lives to learn who we are through our relationships with those around us. She strives daily to humbly walk with the First People of Turtle Island and is honored to continue to be encircled, learn, work, and play in the ways taught by Mother Nature.