When: Thursday, June 18, 2026 | 3-4:30 pm
Where: Forest Sciences Centre (FSC), Room: CAWP 2916
This event is free for all to attend. Please register to join.
As we celebrate National Indigenous History Month, join Indigenous knowledge keepers Aileen Michel (St’át’imc Nation) and Mitchell Tourangeau (Nêhiyaw/Cree Nation) for an inspiring conversation on medicine gathering, cultural teachings, healing, and reconnecting with the land. Drawing from their personal journeys of resilience, recovery, and cultural revitilization, Aileen and Mitchell will share teachings rooted in lived experience. The chat will be moderated by Dana-Lyn Mackenzie, Senior Manager for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigeneity.
This event is presented by the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship (FES) JEDI Committee and co-sponsored by the Centre for Sustainable Food Systems and the Faculty of Land and Food Systems (LFS) EDI Committee.
Speakers
Aileen Michel Cheekalala Winchisty
Aileen Michel was born and raised in Lillooet, British Columbia, in the Interior region and is of St’át’imc descent. Her traditional name is Cheekalala Winchisty (“Little Woman”). She belongs to the people of Xwísten (“the Smiling People”) and the Bear Clan.
Aileen grew up on reserve and spent time in and out of the foster care system throughout the Interior region. The childhood trauma she experienced helped shape her into the person she is today—someone who describes herself as “a bit rough around the edges, a bit of a scrapper, and a fighter.” Aileen feels that her life and accomplishments have been earned through hard work, perseverance, and overcoming adversity.
At the age of 15, Aileen became involved with the justice system and was convicted of manslaughter. While serving her sentence, she began reconnecting with her culture. She reached out to Elders for guidance and support, spending time listening, learning, and receiving teachings from many Elders she met along her journey. She became an Oskapew (helper) and served as a Sweat Lodge helper for six years, learning the responsibilities of a fire keeper, as well as songs, protocols, and teachings associated with various ceremonies. These experiences sparked a deep desire to learn more about her culture and helped her navigate a difficult period in her life.
Since her release, Aileen has continued to pursue what she loves: learning about her culture and strengthening her connection to Mother Earth and her ancestors. She is a strong and proud Indigenous woman who is passionate about helping others by sharing her knowledge in a kind and caring way. Aileen is focused on moving forward and inspiring others through her journey.
Mitchell Tourangeau Cistêmâw Ayisyiniw
Mitchell Tourangeau was born in Cold Lake, Alberta, and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, within the Plains Cree territory of the Prairie region. He is of Nêhiyaw descent, and his traditional name is Cistêmâw Ayisyiniw (“Tobacco Person”). He belongs to the Nêhiyawak, or “the Four Bodies People.” The Nêhiyaw were also known as the Cree, a name given by settlers.
Mitchell was raised by a single mother alongside his two brothers. His childhood was marked by family violence, addiction, trauma, and poverty—experiences that helped shape him into the person he is today: someone who is honest, resilient, respectful, and committed to living the traditional beauty ways while honouring his ancestors.
Mitchell began using substances at an early age and struggled with addiction until he was 28 years old. During this difficult period, he became involved in criminal activity, which led to time in both youth detention and adult correctional facilities. Eventually, he made the life-changing decision to pursue sobriety. Today, Mitchell has been sober for nearly a decade.
A proud father, Mitchell has been teaching his teenage daughter traditional ways since she was young. He shares his experience, strength, hope, and knowledge with Indigenous communities and others who wish to learn. Through storytelling, cultural teachings, and sharing his recovery journey, Mitchell helps others reconnect with traditional ways of life while continuing to honour his ancestors through work that he values deeply and practices every day.
Moderator
Dana-Lyn Mackenzie
Dana-Lyn Mackenzie is a member and elected councillor of the Hwlitsum First Nation and a double alumna of the University of British Columbia, holding both a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctor from UBC. She has dedicated her career to advancing Indigenous engagement, education, and student success, including serving as Senior Manager, EDI & Indigeneity for the Faculties of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship and Land and Food Systems, where she leads decolonization and Indigenization initiatives. Dana-Lyn has developed Indigenous educational programming, spoken widely on Indigenous research and reconciliation, and continues to support implementation of UBC’s Indigenous Strategic Plan through leadership and advisory roles. A recipient of the UBC President’s Staff Award for Advancing Diversity and Inclusion, she is also a board member of RESEAU-CMI and a proud mother of two.
