Riel Manywounds
Summary
Dynamic Youth Program Coordinator with a proven track record at Tsuut'ina Nation, adept in art programming and building meaningful community relationships. Spearheaded initiatives enhancing youth engagement and mental health support, achieving significant outreach impact. Excelled in project management, showcasing exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills. Successfully partnered with diverse entities to promote cultural inclusivity and wellness.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Youth Program Coordinator
Tsuut'ina Nation
Chief Joseph Big Plume Building 9911 Chiila Blvd
09.2017 - Current
- Managed staff, scheduling, transportation, payroll, budgeting, payables, and programming.
- Established inclusive and safe spaces where Elders and youth felt comfortable discussing concerns or sharing cultural experiences.
- Encouraged health, wellness and eco-friendly strategies to not only the youth but the Tsuut'ina community as a whole.
- Coordinated logistics for meals, transportation and program delivery.
- Advocated for the needs and interests of participants through active involvement in relevant community meetings, traditional ceremonies, events, or initiatives.
- Established clear policies for handling emergency behavioral, illness and injury incidents.
- Partnered with businesses, schools, nonprofit artist run centres to expand youth art programming outreach and impact.
- Organized special events and activities to boost youth engagement and improve lives of at-risk children.
- Promoted a culture of inclusivity, traditional respect, empathy, and collaboration among all members involved in the youth program activities.
- Organized and managed annual Youth Powwows, Jr. Rodeos, Parenting Programs, Traditional Ceremonies, Prenatal programs, Urban Art Programs, Ballet, Skateboarding and healthy food workshops.
- Worked with Tsuut'ina Elders to establish traditionally acceptable practices, fostering ongoing youth participation.
- Partnered with businesses, schools, and nonprofit artist-run centers to enhance outreach and impact of youth art programs.
Catering Manager
Tsuut'ina Nation
Tsuut'ina Nation
06.2018 - Current
- Collaborated with clients to create customized menus tailored to their specific preferences and needs.
- Oversaw food preparation and monitored safety protocols.
- Created well-balanced, nutritious menus accommodating diverse dietary needs.
- Directed scheduling, developed menus, handled food purchasing, and arranged transportation.
Moh'kinsstis Public Art Guiding Circle Member
City of Calgary
Calgary
01.2019 - 06.2023
- Engaged in monthly meetings to advocate for Tsuut'ina and Treaty 7 representation in Calgary's Public Arts.
- Presented 'Indigenous Perspectives: Moh'kinsstis Public Art Guiding Circle' at the Alberta Public Art Network Summit in Medicine Hat on September 14, 2019.
- Benefits-Driven Procurement, Public Art and Indigenous Peoples Project, Participant, November 2019 – January 2021
Distribution/HR/Admin/Client Intake
BC Compassion Club Society
Vancouver, BC
06.2009 - 12.2013
- Distribution of cannabis to membership.
- Daily member relations and referrals.
- Management of employee issues, concerns, new employees and hiring in HR dept.
- Welcomed oriented and registered new members into the Wellness Centre and Distribution.
- Daily account receivable, management of budgets, and processing payables to cultivators and suppliers.
- Trained and able to implement organizational effectiveness through communication and teamwork in a consensus valued non-hierarchical structure.
Outreach Project Coordinator
Redwire Native Youth Media Society Magazine
Vancouver, BC
02.2006 - 10.2013
- Coordinated Redwire Magazine subscriptions and mail distribution.
- Represented and delegated for Redwire at international indigenous conferences and gatherings.
- Produced content for the quarterly magazine, serving as both journalist and photographer.
- Led political activism initiatives to engage and mobilize community members.
- Organized and led youth forums and writing workshops, encouraging open dialogue on political and cultural topics.
Education
No Degree -
Mount Royal College
Calgary, AB01-2003
High School Diploma -
Fort St. James Secondary School
Fort St. James, BC01-2001
Skills
- Art programming
- Community facilitator
- Relationship building
- Project management
- Community outreach
- Youth engagement
Timeline
Moh'kinsstis Public Art Guiding Circle Member
City of Calgary
01.2019 - 06.2023
Catering Manager
Tsuut'ina Nation
06.2018 - Current
Youth Program Coordinator
Tsuut'ina Nation
09.2017 - Current
Distribution/HR/Admin/Client Intake
BC Compassion Club Society
06.2009 - 12.2013
Outreach Project Coordinator
Redwire Native Youth Media Society Magazine
02.2006 - 10.2013
No Degree -
Mount Royal College
High School Diploma -
Fort St. James Secondary School