Leanne McRae-Douglas & Heather McIntyre

Congratulations to Leanne McRae-Douglas, Director of Health and Social Services with the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, and Heather McIntyre, Regional Indigenous Cultural Safety Coordinator with the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle.

Leanne and Heather are nominated in the Leadership in Equity category for  advancing health equity and inclusion. Leanne and Heather were nominated by Lori Webel-Edgar and this is what Lori had to say:

“Throughout 2025 and early 2026, a team of Indigenous leaders, Elders, and community members from the Chippewas of Rama First Nation delivered experiential training to representatives from justice, education, health, and social service sectors across Simcoe County. This initiative is a key strategy for bringing Indigenous and mainstream systems together to develop meaningful and sustainable improvements.

This Rama training actually began in 2022 and was being delivered to staff at Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions. In 2025, Rama was asked to deliver this training as part of the BANAC/Mamaway Knowledge-to-Action Framework for Cultural Training. The training provided participants with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the impacts of colonization on Indigenous peoples and to reflect on how these impacts continue to shape interactions with mainstream institutions today. Through guided discussions and hands on learning, participants explored differing worldviews and cultural teachings, including traditional medicines and healing, food and nutrition, social determinants of health, and approaches to physical activity and wellbeing.

This training was profoundly impactful for all who attended. It was delivered in a way that will continue to build capacity, strengthen relationships, and enhance cultural safety across agencies, organizations, and systems within the region—ultimately improving the quality of services offered in our communities.”

“From a personal and professional standpoint, this training has been transformative. It pushed me to reflect deeply on my own assumptions, my role within the system, and the ways in which my everyday decisions can either reinforce or help dismantle systemic barriers for Indigenous peoples. The opportunity to learn directly from Indigenous leaders and Elders strengthened my understanding of cultural safety and shifted how I approach collaboration, communication, and service design. This experience helped shape me as one who is more aware of the responsibility I carry in contributing to equitable and culturally grounded care across our region.”

Who do you know that deserves a Hoot Hoot Hooray? Nominate them today at Hoot Hoot Hooray: Couchiching PCN Peer Recognition Program – Fill out form