Makwag’s principal consultant is John Swift who comes from the Anishinaabek, Cree and Metis Peoples. He was born in the homelands of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Peoples and has been adopted into numerous families over the years. He received the name Toopakeeno (Strong like a bear) from the Jack House in Hesquiaht First Nation. John and his family currently reside in the territories of the Coast Salish Peoples in Nanaimo, BC.
Swift brings over 28 years of lived experience and formal education relating to Indigenous issues such as governance, addictions, recovering from trauma, and exploring Indigenous pathways to health and wellness. Currently, John holds and M.A. in Indigenous Governance from the University of Victoria, with plans to attend the University of Toronto taking their Masters in Social Work focusing on Indigenous Resiliency and Trauma.
Workshop: Indigenous Perspectives on Self Care: Diabetes, Addictions, Lateral Violence, and Unresolved Trauma
“Taking the time to reflect on how our past shapes our present and physical and mental health all comes together in John’s work, and the work of the group. Engaging and well worth the time. Go check it out!”
Workshop: Indigenous Perspectives on Self Care: Diabetes, Addictions, Lateral Violence, and Unresolved Trauma
“A well-meaning workshop that exceeds expectations, highly recommended facilitation by John Swift (No relation to Taylor Swift). Simply too good.
“Thank you for a different perspective on opening my way of looking at healing my life, but it is still looking at the same issues of Aboriginal people.”
Thank you for your kindness and gentleness, and calm and relaxing schedule. The knowledge we learned was big and stressful but I am glad we balanced it with laughs and meditation and yoga.”
“Awesome, got so much out of the workshop. Hope to have more.”