Meet the Aunties
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Meet the Aunties *
Maddie is Cree-Mètis and a member of McMurray Metis Local 1935. Her family is traditionally from FortChipewyan and Fort Vermillion area. Maddie is a Registered Midwife, Registered Nurse and IBCLC. She holds a Masters in Nursing with a specialization in Midwifery. Maddie’s advocacy for Indigenous health equity is central to her mission, as she empowers her clients with culturally sensitive care and education. As an educator, she plays a key role in building community-based healthcare initiatives and is committed to nurturing the next generation of Indigenous midwives. Maddie’s leadership and dedication make her a strong voice for Indigenous maternal and perinatal health.
Maddie is the Executive Health Director for Ihkapaskwa Collective and plays an active role within the Collective, as well as with our Aunties Within Reach Program.
Maddie
Sheena
Sheena is Cree- Mètis & a member of McMurray Metis Local 1935. Her family is from Goldfields SK (Lake Athabasca), St. Louis, SK, and Manitoba. Sheena is a skilled healthcare professional with a robust background in healthcare administration and clinic management. As a Clinical Herbalist and Birthworker, Sheena combines her expertise with her deep Cree-Métis roots to integrate ancestral knowledge and modern health practices. She is dedicated to providing holistic care that honors Indigenous traditions while addressing the needs of contemporary healthcare.
In her role as Executive Director of Ihkapaskwa Collective, Sheena leads initiatives, like Aunties Within Reach, and Moontime Lodge that support Indigenous wellness and advocates for the incorporation of traditional care models into mainstream healthcare systems.
You can learn more about Sheena’s Herbal practice Here
Brandy
Brandy Hepditch serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Ihkapaskwa Collective, bringing a unique blend of expertise in financial analytics and a passion for wellness to her role. As a certified yoga instructor and business owner, Brandy is committed to fostering a culture of health and balance within the organization. Her analytical background informs her strategic decision-making, ensuring the Collective operates efficiently and effectively. When she’s not working, Brandy enjoys spending time with her dog, Paul, and exploring new ways to integrate mindfulness into everyday life.
Kaylen
Kaylen is a community engagement auntie at the Ihkapaskwa Collective and a proud member of Chipewyan Prairie First Nation. As a dedicated mother to her daughter, Okalani, she is deeply committed to fostering connections within her community. With a passion for graphic design and marketing, Kaylen leverages her creative skills to enhance outreach efforts and promote cultural awareness. Her work embodies a blend of artistic vision and community spirit, making a positive impact on the lives of those around her.
Kaylen plays an active role in the day to day operations of our program Aunties Within Reach, and she is employed by our Academic Partners at the University of Alberta.