Tanisi, Hello!
Alyjah Ermine Neil is an Indigiqueer & Two-spirit, Trans human.
Alyjah is a registered Band member to Sturgeon Lake First Nation, SK in Treaty 6 Territory where they are connected to family in their community. They were born and raised in Moh'kins'tsis, Treaty 7 Territory; they still reside here with their family.
Due to colonization Alyjah has spent the last several years finding their Cree family members, connecting to them, and learning how to practice the Cree culture in a good way. Alyjah believes in trauma-informed, collaborative, holistic approaches to wellness that are rooted in culture, land, and good relations. As someone who has been colonized and disconnected, they realize the intensity the journey of cultural reconnection can hold.
Being a Two-spirit person influences Alyjah’s work deeply. As someone who is embracing this gift and experiences the world in this way, they are humbled and take this responsibility seriously. Alyjah’s work centers around supporting the Two-spirit & Indigiqueer community within Treaty 7.
Background
Alyjah is a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Clinical Social Work - Trauma Informed Care Specialization, from the University of Calgary.
Alyjah completed their Diploma of Social Work at Mount Royal University and their Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Calgary.
They have worked with 2SLGBTQ+ young people (12-25 years old) experiencing homelessness, substance use & addiction struggles, and other complex mental health problems. Alyjah also has supported 2SLGBTQ+ young people in cultural reconnection, gender & sexuality exploration, and through the process of obtaining post-secondary education.
They engage in regular clinical supervision & are in the process of starting the RCSW provisional hours.
They are working towards becoming a provider with the Indigenous Services Canada's (ISC) Non-Insured Health Benefits program.
Values
-
Trauma-Informed
I believe in trauma-informed, collaborative, holistic approaches to wellness that incorporate cultural practices.
-
Storytelling
I believe in the power of story; I do not have a right to your story but through relationship I hope that we can find space to hold your stories as you need.
-
Cultural Reconnection
As someone who has been colonized and disconnected I realize the intensity the journey of cultural reconnection can hold.
