Skip to main content
830 Powers Street, Winnipeg, MB, R2V 4E7| Phone: (204) 586-8061| Fax: (204) 589-2504
Utility links
Seven Oaks School Division
Community Begins Here
Nov 04, 2024
School Day 1
No School Today
Messages from Our Elders

Derek Courchene Bio Pic.jpg


Elder Derek Courchene

As an Elder/Knowledge Keeper, I have been the Lead for Sweat Lodge ceremonies for various groups and organizations, this has included schools, urban transition program, youth groups. I have commitment to supporting various traditional ceremonies in different capacities for various ceremonial lodges; leading in traditional singing, teachings. Some of these ceremonies are Sundances, teaching lodges, spiritual healing ceremonies. I have provided workshops on culture/ tradition/drumming &singing to various schools in communities and organizations.  I have also provided workshops on Historical and Intergenerational Trauma for: first Year University for First Nations students, Family Support Worker Training Program, Men's group , Resource teachers, First Nations Teachers.​




Elder Lorie image.jpeg


Elder Lorie Thompson​

Lorie has obtained education (BA & LLB) that led to becoming a Juris Doctor (lawyer) who practiced in this area for over 10 years. However, healing and well-being has been a long time focus for Lorie who has learned through sacred circles. Lorie has also received trauma and healing informed training: Seven Sacred Ways of Healing, Compassionate Inquiry training with Dr. Gabor Mate & Series of trauma-informed workshops.

​​Lorie has also developed and facilitates workshops regarding: Impact of Law on First Nations women & historical impacts of colonization, kindness, land therapy, grandmother roles & reclamation & youth mentoring.​





Mary Courchene.jpeg

Elder Mary Courchene

Mary is a recognized visionary an​d leader who works tirelessly in advancing education and community endeavours.  In 1992, Mary received a YMCA/YWCA Woman of the Year award and was the Aboriginal Community Educator of the Year in 2001. In 2000 Mary Courchene accepted the position of Dean of Aboriginal Education at Red River College which she held until retirement. The Aboriginal Circle of Educators recently awarded her with the Innovator Trailblazer Educators Award.  As well, Mary has been nominated twice for the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards.

As an Elder for Seven Oaks School Division, Mary is available to serve as an overall advisor to all schools on Aboriginal Educational matters. She has expertise in residential school curricula especially at the middle school and high school levels.  Mary actively works in classrooms, school assemblies, provides professional development for schools and works closely with administrators, teachers and staff.  Mary can be ​involved in supporting many divisional events as an advisor and Elder.  


Edler Dan Thomas 2024.jpeg


Elder Dan Thomas

Congratulations to Elder Dan Thomas – Anishinaabe, Ceremonial Leader, Knowledge Keeper, Traditional Teacher and long-time Elder in Residence in Seven Oaks; who will be receiving a much deserved Honorary Doctorate from the University of Winnipeg on June 13th, 2024.  ​

Elder Dan's lifelong commitment and dedication to education has made a generational impact on Manitoba. The impact of his work is especiall​y felt here at Seven Oaks.  Elder Da​n's breadth of knowledge, together with his generosity, kindness, humour, compassion, and patience have been a gift to all of us and we have been so honoured and privileged to learn from him for over 12 years.  ​Elder Dan walks with deep humility and respect and he is much loved in the Seven Oaks community.  



Betty Ross.jpeg

Elder Betty Ross

My nam​​​e is Elder Betty Ross from Pimicikamak Cree Nation (a.k.a) Cross Lake First Nation. I’m a Residential school survivor of 2 systems, namely: Cross Lake – St.Joseph’s Residential School. ​​I worked for Health Science Centre as a Cree Interpret/ Resource Worker for 11 years until I was recruited by Winnipeg Regional Health Authority in 2009 to work as a Spiritual Cultural Care Provider for Indigenous Health/ Cultural Initiatives. I retired from the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority in 2018, and took long-overdue rest to rejuvenate before travelling to New Mexico, Gathering of Nations, where I danced for Canada. Shortly after returning from the United States, I was recruited again this time by the Seven Oaks School Division as Elder in Residence. I’m currently working for three different schools, specializing in Indigenous Cultural Initiatives for kindergarten to grade 12. I connect with over 300 students monthly and just love my line of work today. I’m also very busy connecting with various community organizations by sharing the true history of residential school experiences. ​