John 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.John 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, and plans to attend the University of Toronto taking their Masters in Social Work focusing on Indigenous Resiliency and Trauma.

In regards to his work, John uses lived experience, trauma-informed perspectives, experiential methods, and Indigenous storying to explore issues related to addictions, resolving trauma, Indigenous identity and masculinity, and health and wellness. In addition, he also provides a wide range of professional research and writing services including community health plans, proposal writing, program development, capital projects, and strategic planning.

And finally, John relies heavily upon the teachings of the Elders and the cultural virtues of the Anishinaabe to guide his work and life. The virtues include the teachings of love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility,and truth.

John says, “As a younger man, I knew the virtues, but wasn’t living them on a consistent basis,” adding, “Working the virtues into my life has helped me overcome addictions and heal from unresolved traumas, but I still have lots to learn in my efforts to become a good human being.”