Cathrine works in private practice in Mi’kma’ki (Antigonish, Nova Scotia) as a feminist trauma therapist specializing in the area of trauma and violence against women. Her past research interests included the history/colonization of medicine and psychiatry as well as Indigenous research methodologies. Cathrine is a member of the dominant settler society; she seeks to contribute to reconciliation by striving to decolonize and Indigenize the practice of psychotherapy, starting with her own practice. Cathrine has a special connection to the Mi’kmaq people as her partner’s children are from Upi’ganjig First Nation in Mi’kma’ki (Charlo, New Brunswick). In her spare time Cathrine loves spending time talking with friends, camping, being near the water, and cudding with her dogs, Zoey and Sophie.
Mission Statement
- To raise awareness of the issues that affect Indigenous counsellors, clients, families and communities
- To promote educational opportunities for CCPA members who wish to work with Indigenous communities.
- To create a network for Indigenous counsellors and non-Indigenous counsellors who work with Indigenous clients, families and communities.
- To promote counselling as a field of choice for Indigenous peoples.
- To provide an Indigenous voice within the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.
- To encourage the observance of appropriate Indigenous protocol at CCPA Conferences
What to Expect as an ICC Member
Our Chapter brochure provides information regarding our Chapter objectives and how to get involved. To request printed copies, please contact the national office.
Chapter Notices and Activities
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CCPA’s Indigenous Poster welcomes all Indigenous professionals in the counselling and psychotherapy related fields.
CCPA Indigenous Practice Award
The Indigenous Student Scholarship is awarded by the Indigenous Circle Chapter.
ICC Membership Requirements
- Available to Indigenous and non-Indigenous (First Nations, Métis & Inuit) CCPA members in good standing who have registered for membership in the Indigenous Circle Chapter.
- Non-Indigenous members should be working with Indigenous clients, communities and families or have a strong interest in working with Indigenous clients, communities and families
- Indigenous Circle Chapter meetings at the National Conferences will be open to interested members of local Indigenous communities and organizations
- Membership fees will be used for the provision of a chapter luncheon at the national conference as well as other possibilities currently under discussion (e.g., Indigenous Student Bursary to support travel costs to the CCPA Annual Conference, etc.).
- You must be a CCPA member to belong to the ICC Chapter.
Chapter Executive
President-Elect
Tanya KirklandDeva Little Mustache-Gordon
Past-PresidentDeva is currently employed with Moose Factory Island District Area School Board as a Child and Youth clinician. Since 2013 she has been living in her partner’s home of Moose Factory, Ont, to immerse her children in their Moose Cree culture and tradition to begin their journey as successful James Bay harvesters. Deva is a proud Blackfoot woman from Piikani First Nation in S.Alberta and her beliefs of wellness is guided through the Blackfoot saying “lyiikakimaat”, which tells us to try hard and encourages inner strength. Deva holds a Master’s of Education degree in Counselling Psychology (UVIC’11) and is both a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) with the College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario and a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). Her role within the CCPA has recently grown with becoming the Indigenous Circle Chapter President, which works to ensure Indigenous voices and world views are heard within the Canadian landscape of the counselling profession. In her work with children & youth she draws on play therapy, expressive therapies and yoga practices as a vehicle through which children can freely explore their feelings all while feeling empowered. Recently completed Indigenous Focusing Oriented Therapy certificate (JIBC ’17) and a Yoga Exercise Specialist certification (YES-90) training and has been begun sharing “Mindfulness Moose yoga” programming at Ministik Elementary school in Moose Factory, Ont.
Vacant
Indigenous Director & Board LiaisonAmber Sager
SecretaryJosh Hull
TreasurerLawrence Murphy
Website and Social Media LiaisonTina Nash
Member-At-LargeKym Capuska
Member-At-LargeKary-L Little Child
Member-At-LargeJohn Mihaljevich
Member-At-LargeAndrea Currie
Elder in the CircleSend a message to our IC Chapter president!
Constitution and Bylaws
The Chapter’s bylaws are a set of rules that control the actions of its members and govern the internal management of the Chapter.
Archives
Resources
- The Urgent Need for Improved Indigenous Mental Health Services in Canada
- Working Effectively With Indigenous Peoples Blog
- MSW Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency Program
- New Reference Guide for Career Development Counsellors Working with Inuit Clients
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action
- Indigenous Cultural Safety Collaborative Learning Series
- First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework
- The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH)
- Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health – Creating Cultural Safety
- Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line
- First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line