Our Team
Les Vonkeman
Les Vonkeman, Leader of Leaders, is a community builder passionate about building community through relationships. A survivor of the 60’s scoop who is grateful for the journey God, our Creator, has placed him on. Les has been a member of the Lethbridge Police Service for 22 plus years with 9 years as the Diversity Officer. During that time Les learned what being Indigenous is about after a lifetime of thriving in the non-indigenous world. Les has become passionate to connect both worlds through cultural competence programming such as 3 day tipi camps, Campfire Conversations and is one of the founding members of the Honouring Traditions and Reconciliation Society. Les is married to an amazingly supportive Dutch woman for 33 years who spearheaded fostering 50-60 kids over close to 30 years. Les has been the recipient of the Queens Jubilee Medal as well as the Community Builders Award for the work that he is passionate about. Les loves collaborating on projects and supporting persons, such as Heidi, who are passionate about making waves of change in our world.
Heidi Davis
Heidi Davis, Buffalo Talking Woman, is a Recreation Therapist with Alberta Health Services. Over the past 20 years, she has worked in three provinces, in many streams of care. She is on the Lethbridge & Area Stroke Team and the Addiction & Mental Health Outreach Team. She is passionate about using the arts to achieve health outcomes and build community collaboration. Heidi has embraced the opportunity to work with the Indigenous Wellness Core, assisting in the development of the Arts in Hospital Initiative. She currently facilitates a program called Medicine Within with the Honoring Traditions and Reconciliation Society, supporting Indigenous people on their journey to recovery. Heidi is a certified yoga Instructor, specializing in Neuroscience based, mind body movement. Heidi received the 2017-2018 Professional of the Year award from the Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association, and the 2019 Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association Innovative Practice award. The Daytime Art Workshops she co-created with the Galt Museum received the Governor General’s Honorable Mention in 2016. In 2023, Heidi received the Community Leader Award from Reconciliation Lethbridge. The traditional teachings inform and inspire her life path.
Nicole Ray
Nicole has worked in the non-profit sector for 20 years and holds a degree in Public Health with a focus in Indigenous Peoples’ Health from the University of Victoria. Nicole is passionate about reconciliation and being part of rebuilding relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
Let's Connect
Through our programs, we aim not only to promote cultural sensitivity but also to provide valuable insights for individuals and organizations seeking human resource services. Reach out to us today to learn more about our transformative programs and how we can tailor our services to meet your needs.