FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Richmond Hill, June 2024] – Odeiwin, an Indigenous-led non-profit learning organization, proudly announces the launch of Odeiwin Lead, a groundbreaking Indigenous leadership training program developed in partnership with the Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute (SIYLI). This program aims to empower Indigenous people in Canada through skills development, coaching, mentorship, and career pathways rooted in Indigenous traditions and practices.
Local Impact
Locally, Odeiwin addresses the need for cultural connection and ceremony among urban Indigenous people in the York region of Ontario. This previously underserved community has already benefited from Odeiwin's programs, which have reached over a thousand individuals, fostering a stronger sense of identity and community.
National Program Description
Nationally, Odeiwin Lead offers a three-month, part-time virtual program focusing on mindfulness and emotional intelligence. These skills enhance peak performance, collaboration, and leadership. The program includes coaching, mentorship, Indigenous mental health support, and the ‘Search Inside Yourself’ training developed at Google and now offered through SIYLI. This program blends SIY’s transformational leadership elements with Indigenous traditions from Turtle Island, reflecting over a year of collaboration between Odeiwin and SIYLI.
Program Benefits
Indigenous workers across Canada are encouraged to join Odeiwin Lead for benefits including:
- Deepened focus, self-awareness, and resilience
- Effective stress management
- Increased empathy and compassion
- Enhanced collaboration and leadership skills
- Networking with Indigenous leaders nationwide
- Improved mental health and job satisfaction
Testimonials and Success
The inaugural cohort of Odeiwin Lead last fall was a tremendous success, featuring participants from 23 Indigenous communities across Turtle Island. Ashley Sheppard, Manager of Learning & Knowledge Solutions at the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, shared, "The Search Inside Yourself program, alongside Indigenous leaders, was incredibly meaningful. It helped me understand myself better and manage conflicts, and being among peers with shared identities made it comfortable to share deeply personal experiences. I am deeply grateful to the SIY facilitators and Odeiwin for this unique opportunity."
Future Plans and Participation
Building on the success of the 2023 program, Odeiwin and SIYLI are excited to offer Odeiwin Lead again in fall 2024. Interested individuals can reach out here to express interest, and details will be shared soon. The program is free and open to all status and non-status Indigenous people in Canada. Due to limited spaces, early registration is encouraged. Odeiwin also invites coaching and mentoring professionals to contribute their expertise.
Organizational Background
Odeiwin, meaning "path of the heart" in Anishinaabemowin, was ceremonially named. Its mission is to foster wellbeing in Indigenous communities across Turtle Island by supporting learners’ career paths while nurturing cultural connections. Partnerships with organizations like SIYLI, Google, Hyundai, York University, the York District Regional School Board, and Noojimo Health have expanded Odeiwin's reach, creating more skills development and career pathway opportunities.
Closing Statement
Odeiwin is committed to breaking the cycle of bias in the Canadian workforce, empowering Indigenous workers to thrive professionally. Odeiwin Lead combines mindfulness-based emotional intelligence training with Indigenous teachings to equip participants with the tools to navigate workplace challenges, overcome microaggressions, and promote overall wellbeing.
Contact Information
For more information or to participate in Odeiwin Lead as a learner or mentor, please contact:
- Email: lead@odeiwin.ca
- Phone: 416-801-8544
About Odeiwin: Odeiwin is an Indigenous-led non-profit organization that creates cultural and professional experiential learning programs. With a focus on fostering wellbeing in Indigenous communities across Turtle Island, Odeiwin provides connection to culture and ceremony at the local level and offers skills development programs, coaching, mentorship, and career pathways at the national level. Odeiwin's vision is to empower Indigenous individuals and contribute to the development of greater awareness and understanding of Indigenous mindfulness practices.
About SIYLI: The Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute (SIYLI) is a non-profit organization that was created to make mindfulness and emotional intelligence practical and accessible for all those serving in mission-driven organizations, including governments and nonprofits. SIYLI’s vision is to work toward a more peaceful world in which all people feel connected and act with compassion for self and others. Founded in 2012, over 100,000 participants across more than 50 countries have completed the immersive Search Inside Yourself (SIY) program. SIYLI is a proud partner of Odeiwin since 2023.
Note to editors: High-resolution images and interviews are available upon request.
Press Contact: Jay Shea, Executive Director jay@odeiwin.ca 416-801-8544