Len’s name came highly recommended by colleagues at BC Women’s Hospital and I reached out to him after reading the “In Plain Sight” report documenting countless examples of discrimination against Indigenous persons. As lead of the Women’s Health Research Institute, I asked that he engage us in conversation about how the recommendations of the report could be enacted in our research settings. He led a two-hour session that was thoughtful, compassionate, fact-filled, enlightening, humble, inviting, and emotional. Len has a beautiful way of encouraging us to “Speak Up” instead of “Call Out” and our team felt mobilized and passionate about doing the important work ahead to improve Indigenous cultural safety in our research and institute activities. Our attendees have expressed gratitude to Len for starting this important conversation, and would warmly welcome him back as we collectively embark on this important work. hay cxʷ q̓ə, Len!
Women's Health Research Institute
A couple months ago I had the pleasure of interviewing Len as my first guest on my podcast “Empathetic Witness.” It was important that my first the first podcast be impactful, intelligent and educational. Len met my expectations, and even exceeded them. He is an amazing man, gentle, kind, authentic and knowledgeable, strongly cultured- so willing to share histories, stories, caring for Indigenous peoples. His philosophy and resolutions on decolonization was a pivotal and strong point in our interview. I am so pleased that he has committed to doing a second interview. Even after a 90 minute interview I believe that we have not yet begun to tap into Len’s incredible knowledge and insights yet to be explored on and around the decolonization of addictions. https://seventhgift.ca
Seventh Generation Indigenous Foundation & Training
Employ to Empower's (ETE) experience with Len Pierre Consulting services was remarkable and I would recommend his services in a heartbeat. Our team was truly inspired by Len's delivery in his TEDx talk "Decolonizing substance use and addiction" and thought it would make sense to reach out to him to inquire about how our team could learn more about Indigenous worldview. Len's four hour workshop was engaging, compassionate and useful and he delivered in a way that made us feel very comfortable in asking questions. What we appreciated was when Len offered to answer any questions we may have after his session, showing that he really cares for providing long term quality support. Because of Len, our team feels equipped to commit to a life long learning of indigenous worldview and creating a safe and inclusive environment for indigenous peoples who engage with ETE!
Employ to Empower
Len brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation regarding substance use and harm reduction. Bridging in information from his experience in provincial healthcare, the First Nations Health Authority, post-secondary education and supporting children and youth, Len reframed our conversations around Cultural Safety and created a safe and open space for our team to ask the important questions. -
The Gathering Space, snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College
As an advisor, consultant, speaker, and traditional knowledge keeper, Len has contributed his many gifts to our team as we work to support Indigenous mental health professionals and community helpers in their own wellness and professional development. Len has been instrumental in the development of our curriculum on harm reduction and on weaving Indigenous wisdom within mainstream psychological approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Len’s focus on resilience, decolonization, cultural practice, and holistic wellness shine through in the knowledge he shares as a gifted teacher and storyteller. Len is a natural leader and well aligned to influence mental health services that reflect Indigenous knowledge and values; we are honoured to be on this learning journey with him.
Shkaabe Makwa, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
215 Kamloops.
I was born in Kamloops... During the 60's scoop my Oma fostered 6 indigenous children...
I have two nieces that are indigenous.... I am a Catholic educator, and I am personally confronting shame with all capitals.
SHAME.
How do we not allow shameful silence to be our response in the face of this? This is heartbreaking... How do we start real change?
Start with Len.
I participated in Len’s workshop Cultural Safety and Humility, and I knew he would be the right place to start at our TCDSB school. We were looking for help as educators around issues with colonialism and help with getting comfortable with recognizing our own implicit bias.
For our school staff, Len Pierre, facilitated a launch into meaningful, honest, discourse that lead into action at our school. His approach was big hearted and sincere in his workshop Responding to anti-Indigenous Racism. He delivered a heartfelt, engaging, hands-on workshop for educators and his participatory activities reflected a more open dialogic approach to unpacking anti-racism. His approach to this workshop was done with every safety precaution, offering respect to all, and with kindness at its core.
I received this feedback from staff after his workshop:
I like the positive and calming space he created as a facilitator. His workshop showed the failure of our education system for not thoroughly teaching indigenous history, including the government policy of Assimilation and the Residential School System. Len Pierre shows that there is so much to learn and think about to put into motion the 94 Calls to Action recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
Len Pierre is a thoughtful and thought-provoking voice for decolonization and bridging. With his caring stewardship those interested in truth and reconciliation will find a way.
I wish engaged with this kind of discourse when I started teaching 25 years ago. I want to be more aware and to be the change in the world.
Thank you, Len.