As a social entrepreneur and communications strategist, Josée is a voice for relevant and practical community transformation. In 2012, Josée mobilized hundreds of friends and colleagues in projects to support students in the nearby Algonquin community of Rapid Lake in Quebec. The success of her efforts grew into a national movement, from where Soaring Circle was created. Josée is also the cofounder of Good4.Global, a fast-growing sustainability initiative, which finds its roots in Josée’s many years of learnings as she has worked with over 100 Indigenous communities across Canada.
Joe is Nisga’a/Tshimshian and a member of the Kitselas First Nation. Currently the Chief Executive Officer of Gitga’at Development Corporation, Joe brings 34 years of experience transforming financial management at First Nations administration, businesses, and societies. Joe’s community leadership includes being Chief of Kitselas First Nation (2013-19) and serving as a director for several entities including the Tsimshian Tribal Council, the First Nations Finance Authority, and the AFN’s First Nations’ Economic Roundtable. He is a director First Nations Major Projects Coalition and an External Advisory Committee member for BC Indigenous Procurement Initiative, while also working on a final MBA paper (Management Consulting) at Royal Roads University.
Cricket is a member of the Cree Nation Treaty 8 and is registered with the Duncan’s First Nations band in Northern Alberta. Having been adopted into the Syilx territory in British Columbia, she has lived and worked in the Okanagan for the past 15 years. Her strong commitment to service drives her work in family preservation and community crisis support. Cricket is also the proud parent of Summer Testawich, who plays the lead character in the Marie Clements film, Bones of Crows. This experience has given both Summer and Cricket the opportunity to travel and share the truth of Indigenous history in Canada.
Over the course of a more than 50-year military and commercial professional career, Dave has lived and worked on four continents, managed complex operations in high-threat environments, assisted widely separated parties in reaching consensus, and championed the underprivileged in his community. Notably, he served as the Chief of Liaison between Israel and Egypt as part of the Multinational Force deployed to the Sinai. Dave brings strong governance experience from his work on corporate and community boards, including The Regina Airport Authority, The Western Canada Aviation Museum, Labrador Winter Games, and Rotary, along with his ongoing commitment as a Rotarian and community volunteer.
Born and raised in Chesterfield Inlet, Nunavut, Adam Tanuyak is a pioneer, and one of the founding fathers of Inuit rap as it exists today. The winner of a 2019 Canadian Screen Award for an Original Song that he co-wrote with DJ Shub and 666God, his music has reached #1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown and has been featured in major films, including The Grizzlies and Iqaluit. Adam uses music as an outlet to talk about issues that affect him and most other Nunavummiut – suicide, substance abuse, and mental illness.
Doug is a purpose-driven leader dedicated to creating opportunities for Indigenous youth and sharing the rich history of Indigenous peoples across Canada. As the founder of Mokomàn Edge, an Indigenous-led archaeology consultation firm, and also a youth-oriented Algonquin archaeology field school, he blends his passion for truth-seeking with hands-on experience. Doug has served three consecutive terms as a councilor for the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, where he held portfolios in education, archaeology, language, culture, wildlife, and natural resources. With over 35 years of experience as a construction technical advisor for First Nation communities and project management, he brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to his role, making him both relatable and an effective communicator.
Jenny is a lifelong sewist, creative entrepreneur, and the Program Coordinator for Soaring Circle. Her big heart, enthusiasm, and belief in the power of creativity shine through every program she leads. Sewing has been central to Jenny’s life — helping her find her path, build a career, and form meaningful connections. With over 15 years of teaching experience, she has mentored students pursuing careers in fashion, textiles, and the creative industries. Her experience as a fashion designer, tailor, small business owner, and mentor gives her a well-rounded perspective on creative skill-building. Jenny empowers youth and supports teachers and communities through hands-on programs that foster creativity, confidence, and connection — one stitch at a time.
Originally from the Innu community of Mashteuiatsh in the Lac-Saint-Jean region, Kuniss is studying archaeology at Université Laval with the goal of becoming an archaeologist and working in collaboration with Indigenous communities. She participated in the 3rd cohort of the Guardian of the Territory nano-program and completed the Microprogram in Archaeology for First Peoples at Université Laval. A cultural mediator for several years, she leads Eka Shakuelem, a performing arts residency for Indigenous youth, organized as part of the Festival TransAmériques (dance + theatre). Curious and committed, Kuniss enjoys laughter, building connections, and actively contributing to the success of collective projects. Kuniss is the Assistant Coordinator of he Soaring Circle Archaeology program and French language program development.
In the transportation industry since 1998, Doris has built her career by combining curiosity, expertise, leadership, and a human approach. Fueled by a love for people and a deep desire to help her clients, she came to know Soaring Circle first as a transportation client and then became actively involved with the organization in 2022 as a way of contributing to reconciliation.
Summer is an award-winning Canadian actress of Cree and Latin American heritage, raised on the traditional Syilx Territory in Snpinktn (Penticton), B.C. She made her acting debut as young Aline in the feature film Bones of Crows (CBC/APTN/SRC) and was recently featured the Netflix series of Avatar: The Last Airbender. When not acting, Summer is often called upon for speaking engagements, during which she loves to share about her culture and to encourage youth. She has a passion for horseback riding, aerial hoop, sewing, softball and lacrosse. Since taking on her role with Soaring Circle, Summer has become a proficient sewist and designer, having created and brought to market We Are All One, the first ecofriendly blanket of the limited-edition label WOVEN.
Ruth is a retired, award-winning Canadian fashion designer who in the 1960s was celebrated across North America for her evening wear designs with their luxurious beading and embroidery. She employed Indigenous women for some of the bead work and recalls how Indian Affairs at the time made the process extremely difficult; buried in red tape and endless paperwork, she was forced to abandon her employment strategy but always hoped that someday she would be able to continue supporting Indigenous women and communities.
In 2017, Ruth joined us as a chapter leader for Kingston. Each year since, she mobilizes her network in support of our projects.
In 2023, Iain transitioned into the spirit world so unexpectedly to us, and friends across Turtle Island spoke of a fallen feather…
With boundless energy, Iain promoted allyship and healing for youth and their communities. He sought daily to push the boundaries of advocacy through the nonprofits he cofounded with his best friend and life partner, Josée Lusignan – Soaring Circle and the global network of changemakers, the ONE Better World Collective. Undoubtedly, his proudest achievement will have been his last, the highly successful tour of 25 communities and cities in B.C. of the acclaimed Bones of Crows film prior to its cinematic release, during which he travelled with a young lady who was a kindred spirit, our National Youth Ambassador, Summer Testawich (in photo) and her mother Cricket.
“His love for Bones of Crows was genuinely astronomical and we will miss his passion and dedication. Iain’s tireless work to support Soaring Circle has provided opportunity for healing across countless lives. Iain’s work as our National Tour Director in Western Canada during our community screenings not only gave Indigenous communities the chance to see the film but also provided comfort and assistance in their journey towards healing.” – Trish Dolman, President, Screen Siren Pictures Inc.
“Our beloved Iain brought so many nations and people from all walks together in hopes of restoring spirit and love within our beings. He was a part of us, and we have been truly blessed….” – Gaypaygw’m Ganauu (Pansy Wright-Simms), Gitxsan Nation
Iain, you are forever in our hearts.
Your support helps us to serve more youth and expand our programs. Our zero-fee secure donation platform will send a charity receipt directly to your email.