Culturally
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🌿Melanie

             & Vibrant                                 Wellness

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Hello, I am Melanie Jansen a I’m a proud member of Horse Lake First Nation. I’m grateful to live and work here on the traditional territory of the Tsáá? Ché Ne Dane people. I am a First Nations Youth Care Worker with our local School District. It’s an honor to be working alongside the community of Doig River, Blueberry River, and Halfway River First Nations. I’ve learned so much from the Elders and Knowledge Keepers in these communities, and I feel blessed to be able to support families here.

The teachings I carry with me come from many places, but first and foremost from my own family — my mother, my grandmother, and my aunties. They’ve shared so much knowledge, stories, and traditions with me that I carry in my heart. I was also given my traditional name by Elders from Driftpile, and through them, I’ve learned many teachings that have stayed with me throughout my journey.

I spent some time living and working in Secwépemc territory, and I’m so thankful for the teachings I received from their Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Healers. It was there that I was initiated as a Jingle Dress dancer, and that role has been a real honor to carry.

I’ve also been fortunate to learn from a Cree medicine woman, which has helped deepen my understanding of our healing ways. Over the years, I’ve also been learning about our traditional plants and medicines, taking a wildcrafting course, and continuing to harvest in ways that support our wellness — body, mind, and spirit.

And along with all these teachings, my own life journey — the things I’ve experienced, the healing work I’ve done, and the wisdom I’ve gained through walking my own path — has given me deep knowledge about how to help others as they walk their path too. It’s always been my passion to keep learning and to share what I’ve learned, so we can all reconnect with the land, our teachings, and the strength that lives within our traditions.