Meet the Change of Season’s Organizing Committee
Muckpaloo Ipeelie
Hi there, I am a Collingwood resident and have been since 2007, however, I was born in Iqaluit Nu, and grew up in Ottawa.
Throughout my journey of reconnecting to Inuit culture, I noticed that not too many knew how to support me in the Inuit way. I went to school to become a Medical Laboratory Technologist and decided that I wanted to help bridge the gap between Western medicine and Indigenous ways of healing. I do this full time now through my business: The Urban Inuit Identity Project. I also teach about Inuit culture to Social Service organizations so that they do can help in a culturally appropriate way. Please visit https://urbaninuitidentityproject.ca/. I also created the Collingwood Indigenous Circle group. I am looking forward to meeting you at the next Change of Seasons Ceremony in June.
Jennifer Mcfarlane
Aaniin. My name is Jennifer McFarlane and I am a proud Métis woman. I currently reside in Wasaga Beach with my husband and am a mom of 2 grown children. I co-teach kindergarten in a local school where I take on a strong leadership role in many areas of my school with a strong focus on supporting students to find their leadership potential with the foundation of the 7 Grandfather teachings. Prior to this role, I worked for Rama First Nation and continue to learn from a proud Ojibway man. I am looking forward to joining the Collingwood Indigenous Circle Group to learn and grow as an Indigenous woman and learn culture, stories and traditions from other Indigenous groups so that I may have a better understanding and knowledge of our history. Miigwetch Jen
Jessica Sheerin Blaker
Hi I’m Jessica, I am Ojibwe, from Deer Clan (Waawaashkeshi) and am a Co-owner Nizigos Nishimis beads. I’m from Aldverville First Nations.
I wanted to be apart of the CIC organizers because growing up in Collingwood was hard, feeling like I was the only indigenous person… and never seeing anyone else like me.
Now being an Indigenous community & social development student it has opened my eyes so much & I want to be involved in a safe place Indigenous people and kids can feel welcome and safe.
Heather McIntyre
Heather McIntyre is an Indigenous Life & Wellness Coach CLC, CHC, and Speaker who also works with Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle / Mamaway Wiidokaadwin as the Working Together- Wiijinokiiwag Cultural Awareness Program Lead & Facilitator on the Community Programs Team.
Heather was born in Markdale, Ontario, and has made Collingwood her home for over 40 years where she has been actively raising her family and supporting the community. Heather owns and operates The Chronicles of Momma Mac Soul Academy providing support and empowerment for individuals, youth, and professional organizations. It is her passion to raise awareness of unity, connection, and healing. In her spare time, she is committed to paddling the shores of Georgian Bay with her family and friends, singing, and traveling. To learn more about the special projects, sharings, and offerings you can check out her website at: www.thechroniclesofmommamac.ca.
Jennifer Perks
Jennifer has lived in Southern Georgian Bay area for most of her life and has family roots in farming and labour.
Returning to the area after several years away, she felt a deep sense of homecoming and belonging and has spent the several years since unpacking what that might mean for different people.
In 2016 Jennifer started to do the work of unlearning history as it was taught in different colonial systems. She started reading and listening, committing to working on making social change and leading by example for her family and in the community. Jennifer lives with her husband, three children, and a cute black dog named Wilco. Talk soon, Jennifer
Sherry Holland
Hello, my name is Sherry Holland, and I live in Wasaga Beach. I have lived in Wasaga and surrounding area for my entire lifetime. I am happy to be part of CIC. As long as I can remember I have been interested in Indigenous culture. I want to learn the customs and traditions. I am looking forward to meeting people and learning all that I can. Looking forward to the changing of the season’s ceremony. See you soon.