Russ Baker joined us in late July as the Program Manager for the Urban Transitions Mentorship Program. Russ is originally from Prince George, BC. His family is Lheidli Tenneh (Klet’Leh Tenn eh) (Carrier) Woodland and Plains Nehiyaw (Cree), Irish/Norwegian.
He has worked in Indigenous communities, with youth and family, on and off reserve for over 20 years. Russ has an educational background in Indigenous Child and Youth Care Counselling from Douglas College, which he draws on along with other healing and wellness practices both traditional and western. Russ worked closely with families in Hull Services' Braiding the Sweetgrass Program. He helped parents, young adults and children address intergeneration trauma while connecting back to land, ceremony, culture, games and traditions, showing that positive change can happen with positive supports, behaviours and repetition. Russ has travelled around the world for dance and rugby and has seen the importance of knowing one's cultures and teachings: each culture holds gifts that need to be shared.
We are happy to have Russ on the team, and excited about the vision he and partner-in-crime Shalome Hope are co-developing with youth for the mentorship program!
FOR YOUTH: Are you an Indigenous youth who has moved to Calgary to pursue your goals? Maybe you plan to move here in the near future? Build skills, participate in group activities, and receive the support of a great group of mentors and peers. Contact russ@canadabridges.com, or shalome@canadabridges.com if you are interested in connecting.
FOR POTENTIAL MENTORS: Are you a great listener with lots of lived experience? Do you have wisdom to share? Passionate about helping young people? We welcome applicants with time and skills to offer. Find out more about getting involved.