Beginning your Indigenous Engagement Journey
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
12 - 1 p.m. MST via Zoom
$50 per person
Email tansi@pipikwanpehtakwan.com for group rates.
*the session will be recorded for those who have registered
Are you looking for support in stewarding strong, meaningful relationships with Indigenous Peoples, Nations and communities? This session will share insights and learnings from the pipikwan pêhtâkwan Engagement team. We’ll share some of our own experiences and reflections on projects we’ve worked on, including how to prepare for, reach out to and facilitate good relationships and visiting with communities to empower you and your teams to support this type of work directly.
Meet the Presenters
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Peyton (she/they) was born in Newfoundland and Labrador and comes from Mi’kmaq and settler ancestors. She is a graduate of the Indigenous Bachelor of Social Work program at Yellowhead Tribal College. Previously, they earned a Social Work credential at Today, Peyton resides on Treaty 8 Territory and calls Grande Prairie, AB home.
As an Environmental Social Worker, Peyton enjoys connecting tradition to practice and finding ways to elevate safety, confidence, and engagement in those who dialogue with her. Her approach is person-centred, meaning Peyton will spend the time needed to get to know someone and find a shared space of relationality in her work.
Professionally, Peyton has over 11 years of experience in facilitation, strategic planning, and teaching within the non-profit sphere. Her strength is in helping to bring groups together where people can dialogue and share their voices. She cares deeply about respect and empathy and uses both in her engagement methodologies.
In her personal time, Peyton loves to travel with her partner and explore the traditions and ceremonies of other Peoples and lands. At home, you will easily find her fishing or creating art.
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Matt Ward (he/they) is a queer, mixed nehiyaw person and member of Driftpile Cree Nation in Treaty 8 territory. They grew up on the shores of Lesser Slave Lake but have called Amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton) home for ~15 years.
Matt completed his undergraduate degree in Critical Indigenous Studies and Political Science at the University of British Columbia in 2015. His career has included planning, research, engagement, workshop delivery and strategy development. He has worked in multiple sectors throughout his career, including human services, community safety, student organizing, health and environment. He spent seven years in Edmonton’s housing and homelessness sector supporting system coordination and non-profit leadership.
They remain a dedicated volunteer in Edmonton's human services, arts and Indigenous programs. In 2021, he received Alberta’s Top 30 Under 30 Award; in 2022, he received Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40 Award.
Matt enjoys exploring their downtown neighbourhood, playing video games, and collaborating on projects with friends and organizations celebrating Indigenous joy. After long days, he can be found lounging on his condo patio with his fiancé, Eric, and their cat, Mr. Business.