Our herd
Darian R. Edwards
Consultant
Darian (he/him+) is a proud member of the Secwepemc Nation, specifically from the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc. He actively participates in community-driven projects aimed at uplifting Indigenous youth and preserving cultural practices. His connection to his roots is reflected in his commitment to bringing together Indigenous Ways of Knowing into his work, promoting environmental stewardship, and advocating for the rights and recognition of Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island.
Darian brings over a decade of experience from the aviation industry, starting his career at Kamloops Airport (CYKA) and advancing to a leadership role as Supervisor. He is a climate specialist and advocate, with a leading voice in the space. He has collaborated with various governments and services, including British Columbia Transportation and Infrastructure, Natural Resources, and Children and Family Development, focusing on emergency management, climate initiatives, and social services.
He serves on the NWIC Board of Directors, overseeing urban youth initiatives and represents his community as a Delegate for the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples in British Columbia. Darian is currently enhancing his expertise through a diploma in Airport Operations at BCIT.
Aubrey-Anne Laliberte-Pewapisconias
Consultant
Aubrey-Anne Laliberte-Pewapisconias (she/her) is a nêhiyâskwew from Canoe Lake Cree First Nation on Treaty 10 Territory with paternal roots to Little Pine First Nation on Treaty 6 Territory. Aubrey is currently in her final year at the University of Saskatchewan pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance, a Global Business Stream Certificate, and an Indigenous Governance and Politics Certificate. She is the Co-Founder and Logistics Headwoman of the Indigenous Business Students’ Society, a nationally recognized group for Indigenous student advocacy, and she is an award winner in the Not-For-Profit category of JDC West. As an advocate for Indigenous students, she has held various roles in multiple student groups and works on Indigenous initiatives with numerous organizations.
Outside of her campus, Aubrey brings board experience advocating for Indigenous youth opportunities in economic development, as a National Ambassador of Hope with the We Matter Campaign, and has multiple years of experience working for Indigenous non-profits such as Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority and Indigenous Clean Energy. Lastly, with her passion for a just transition, she is proud to be part of the first cohort of Generation Power, a holistic, capacity-based program that acknowledges the skills, talent and qualifications of youth in clean energy.
Audra Foggin
Consultant
Audra Foggin is a proud member of Frog Lake Cree Nation from Treaty 6. She is a 60's scoop survivor who has lived and experienced dualistic world views. Audra is passionate about the reclamation of culture(s) and ways of knowing. She has a background in equine therapy and has carried sponsor flags for the Calgary Stampede. Audra is a legacy ambassador for lululemon and she is passionate about health, fitness, and wellbeing in Indigenous Peoples.
Audra has been in several films including Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, Dreamkeeper, and Into the West to name a few. She is a proud kokhum (grandmother) to two and a nikawi (mother) to three.
With a background in human services, Audra's interests are in community collaboration, mental health, anti-racism, anti-oppressive practices, mentorship, and Indigenous knowledges. Audra is a member of the ACSW and is a Registered Social Worker. Most recently, she has been appointed to the College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPSA) Indigenous Advisory Circle. Audra is humbled and honoured to be an advisor working with Indigenous Elders and community to improve health and wellness interactions and outcomes for Indigenous Peoples.
tatâgagan
Elder
Tom Snow is a Îethka Nakoda (Stoney, Assiniboine) from the Stoney Indian Reserve in Morley, Alberta. He has been a Facilitator of Traditional Nakoda Teachings and Ceremonies across Alberta, BC and Montana. He managed a Child Services business for 11 years where he provided youth work, language instruction, transportation and family reunification visits. He developed a Wellness program for the Wesley First Nation to address Addictions before coming to Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society. Here he continued as an Elder leading ceremonies, circles, educating staff, reintroducing Families to their own cultural practices and teaching the Nakoda (Stoney, Assiniboine) language.
Tom developed a 96 page Powerpoint presentation on Historical Trauma to address the underlying causes of many Indigenous issues. He is a contributing member, as a Knowledge Keeper, to Alberta Child Services endeavour in making the Youth Suicide Prevention Policy. Tom is also involved with the Kihciy Askiy, Edmonton project, as part of the Elders group, in planning a place in Edmonton for Indigenous people to Gather for Ceremonies, Education and Cultural activities. Tom is also a member of the Edmonton Framework committee.
Tom is now back with Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society after attempting a new venture as Elder Indigenous Liaison for GRC Network, a secured World Virtual Communication Service. When not at work Tom enjoys being with his wife, family, and staying connected with his culture, hunting, fishing, camping and ceremonies. He is always in search of more material for Indigenous Antiquity in North America.
Ali Tapaquon
Principal & Founder
Ali Tapaquon (formerly Alec Carton) is a proud nêhiyaw and Ethiopian person (he/him+). His matrilineal lineage is rooted in Carry The Kettle, Treaty 4, by way of his mother, Heather Tapaquon, and his great-great grandmother, Lena Tapaquon-Owatch.
As a compassionate youth motivator, he actively engages in empowering Indigenous youth as a board director for The Howl Experience, a Treaty 7 based Indigenous-led non-profit bringing Indigenous and non-Indigenous Youth to the outdoors across Canada, from the Yukon to Nova Scotia. He also formerly served on the board of directors of Indigenous Youth Roots, a registered Canadian charity supporting Indigenous youth with programming and financial support.
As Principal and Founder of Tatâga Inc., an integrated Indigenous & Social Management Consultancy, he is a respected practitioner in the areas of Indigenous economic development, community engagement, reconciliation, entrepreneurship, partnership, technology, and strategy.
Supporting Indigenous Students
Tatâga believes in supporting the education and advancement of Indigenous Youth in their career and life aspirations. Tatâga’s business model of sharing includes the participation of Indigenous Students in Project Work through a subcontracting strategy.
Indigenous Students take part in working with Tatâga’s clients to build their experience, receive compensation, and grow their network in their dedicated fields of interest. As Indigenous Youth and Students prepare for the future, Tatâga believes that organizations and businesses carry a role in providing opportunities for these young people to grow and learn in an environment that supports them.