Healers, leaders, and teachers. From the community, for the community.

Joseph “Charles” Tapas

Charles Tapas is originally from Fort Albany First Nation and currently resides in Moose Factory, Ontario. His work and purpose are rooted in supporting individuals, families, and communities through land-based healing, ceremony, cultural teachings, and traditional approaches to wellness.nnCharles has worked with Eagle's Earth, a land-based healing centre located outside Calstock, Ontario, for individuals seeking support with drug and alcohol addiction and trauma. He has been honoured to spend time there every two months alongside his brother Jules, assisting with ceremonies and offering support to community members working toward healing and recovery. Since February 2020, Charles has been a member of the Niwakomakanak Land-Based Detox Team, which has held contracts with Mushkegowuk, Fort Albany, and Kashechewan.nnCharles has strengthened his practice through specialized training in Aboriginal Focusing-Oriented Therapy, Indigenous Focusing Trauma Therapy, and the Focusing Trainer Program. He is certified to provide one-on-one support and believes wholeheartedly in the power of ceremony.

Karen Wesley

Karen Wesley is originally from Kashechewan First Nation and currently resides in Moose Factory, Ontario. Since February 2020, she has been a valued member of the Niwakomakanak Land-Based Detox Team, bringing dedicated service to individuals, families, and communities affected by alcohol and drug addictions, trauma, and intergenerational harm.

At the Land-Based Detox Program, Karen supports participants through cedar foot soaks, sweat lodge ceremonies, sharing circles, one-on-one support, and teachings that help participants begin to unpack the trauma they carry.

For Karen, helping others is both a passion and a calling. She encourages those who are suffering to embrace the ceremonies, teachings, and land-based ways that have brought profound healing to her and her children.

Summer Rickard

Summer Rickard is a dedicated Indigenous social work practitioner and facilitator from Cochrane, with many years of experience supporting individuals and communities across the James Bay region in mental health and addiction. She integrates traditional and contemporary approaches to healing.

Summer has walked her own healing journey for many years. As a facilitator, she leads trauma-informed workshops and healing sessions that weave together Indigenous knowledge, spirituality, and modern wellness practices.

Summer has completed Indigenous Focusing-Oriented Therapy Levels 1 and 2 training. She is a graduate of the Social Service Worker program at Northern College and is currently a student in Indigenous Social Work through First Nations Technical Institute and Wilfrid Laurier University.

Redfern Mianscum

Redfern Mianscum, from Oujé-Bougoumou, joined the Niwakomakanak Land-Based Detox Team in September 2025. He is a steady, compassionate helper guided by his own long path of recovery.

Redfern offers one-on-one counselling, cultural and spiritual support, and traditional ceremonies carried with respect.

He is a Traditional Knowledge Keeper with the Cree Health Board and Niishiyou, and has trained extensively in IFOT, LBCFOT, LBFOT, couples counselling, and The Redpath addiction program.