Alvin Manitopyes
Alvin is of Plains Cree and Anishnawbe ancestry, a registered member of the Muskowekwan First Nation of Saskatchewan, Canada. He has experience sharing his extensive knowledge of traditional teachings, culture, history, healing practices and spirituality at wellness and environmental conferences and workshops for Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences throughout North America and abroad. He has considerable experience in advancing the social and economic development of First Nations through designing innovative capacity-building initiatives for several national and community-based organizations. Alvin has co-founded several social and educational organizations in Calgary, such as the Plains Indian Cultural Survival School. Through his position with the Secretary of State, he provided initial funding to the Awotaan Healing Lodge, an agency that provides support to families at risk. Alvin initiated the national Aboriginal environmental training program, BEAHR, sponsored by Eco-Canada.
Alvin has 25 years of experience managing Indigenous federal government programs in areas of project and community development as a consultant for the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Employment & Immigration Commission, and the Secretary of State. He has been involved in developing community engagement policies for corporations in areas of consultation processes and impact benefit agreements. Alvin has also functioned in the capacity as an advisor for numerous corporations and First Nations leadership in areas of self-government, treaty interpretation, economic development, duty to consult, corporate strategic planning, brand marketing, business development, human resource development, and joint ventures projects associated with resource and environmental development operations on First Nations and Native American tribal lands in North America. He served for several years for Alberta Justice in the preparation of Gladue Reports for Indigenous offenders. Alvin received his certification in Indigenous Leadership, Governance, and Management Excellence from the Banff Centre. He is the owner and operator of Earthcode Enterprises Ltd, a consulting firm that provides training in Truth & Reconciliation and First Nations business development. Alvin is also an accomplished traditional dancer on the North American pow-wow circuit and is a part-time actor.