Russell Willier
Podcast Navigator
Russell Willier is a multifaceted individual, weaving together their passion for language & culture, their impactful work as a youth worker, and their creative endeavors in media arts.
An Indigenous Youth from Northern Alberta a former 2023 Podcast Mentor for the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre, worked in multiple mixed media projects, and is the 2023 Spirit Seeker Oskapio Award Winner for promoting, and preserving Indigenous Culture, Knowledge and Skills.
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Russell's dedication to preserving and promoting Indigenous Language and Culture shines through their work in the community, their various short films and the Peyakoskan Podcast where they beautifully blend story telling with cultural richness.
Cara Jones
Former Program Coordinator
Cara Jones is no stranger to the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre and has worked with the GPFC team in various capacities, including as one of the Reconciliation in Motion coordinators, the Two-Spirit coordinator for Walking with Our Sisters and photographer for the Indigenous Iskwew+ in Leadership Symposium, 2020. Cara has also collaborated with filmmaker and former President of the Alberta Native Friendship Centre Association, Len Morrisette, creating the Identity workshop that connected Indigenous and Non-Indigenous youth through cultural teaching and documentary video, 2017.
Cara is a mixed media artist, writer, award-winning short documentary filmmaker, youth mentor, and business professional. Combining her passion for community development with her love of art and storytelling, Cara has worked with Indigenous organizations across Turtle Island using her media and content creation skills as a business instructor and facilitator.
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"Our stories unite us and help to heal, educate and build stronger foundations for the next generation." - C.J.