Trainers and Consultants

Derek’s areas of focus include Intergenerational trauma, Indigenous concepts of well-being, and the delivery of child intervention services to Indigenous children, youth, families, communities, and Nations on and off reserve. He is a Registered Social Worker working as a sessional instructor at MacEwan University and University nuhelot’įne thaiyots’į nistameyimâkanak Blue Quills. Derek has had various roles within the Government of Alberta, including Regional Manager of Children’s Services, holding the portfolio for Aboriginal Services and Supports, and Advocate for the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate. Most recently, he was the Director of Child and Family Services, and was an instructor in their Indigenous Social Work department. Derek’s belief system is grounded in ceremony and he has Indigenous knowledge as a foundation. He practices the concept of miyo-pimâtisiwin – the good life – in everything he does, including his work with individuals, families, and communities. As a trainer, Derek’s approach is relationally based, which helps create safe learning environments that allow participants to share their wisdom, knowledge, and lived experiences. Derek provides practical information that is easily transferable to one’s work environment. He is approachable, engaging, and infuses humour throughout to create fun and memorable learning opportunities.