OUR Partners

Lana is a Blackfoot (Kainai/Blood) and Cree creative whose work bridges contemporary urban life with traditional teachings. Through art, storytelling, and everyday practice, she shares her identity as an “urban First Nation person.” Her artistic pursuits—beadwork, sewing, jewelry, sketching, painting, and crafting—are guided by the land, nature, and the Medicine Wheel.

Notable projects include co-designing an Indigenous-inspired room at IKEA, blending cultural education with modern design. Lana’s artistry is relational and transformative, creating spaces for healing, dialogue, and cultural continuity.

Melissa is an Otipemisiwak Metis Government citizen. She is a skilled professional with over ten years of experience supporting youth, families, and multidisciplinary teams in educational and community-based environments. She brings strong administration, organizational, communication, and coordination skills to her work, ensuring that operations run smoothly and efficiently. 

Drawing on her Métis Cree heritage, Melissa values community, collaboration, and respect in all aspects of her work. Her background in social work and youth development has shaped her thoughtful, people-centered approach to administration and her ability to foster inclusive and supportive environments. 

In her role with The Path Forward, Melissa is committed to upholding professionalism, integrity, and a standard of care that contributes to meaningful and effective outcomes. 

Outside of work, she enjoys sipping coffee, spending time in the mountains skiing with her family, and reading; finding balance and inspiration through nature, connection, and lifelong learning.

Joey is a proud member of the Piikani First Nation in southern Alberta and a third-year student at the University of Calgary, majoring in International Indigenous Studies. He brings experience in finance and Indigenous student advising, blending strong analytical skills with a deep understanding of community engagement and cultural awareness. Joey is passionate about maintaining professionalism, truthfulness, and authenticity in his work, ensuring his contributions reflect integrity and respect in every setting.

Christine is a proud member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, Treaty 6, situated in north central Saskatchewan. Her robust legal practice has spanned both public and private sectors, focusing on Aboriginal and Regulatory Law, Indigenous governance and economic development, as well as human rights and justice. As a consultant, Christine collaborates with The Path Forward team and its clients, providing support with engagement and consultation matters, reconciliation policy and strategy, and Indigenous education initiatives.