Consultant

Joseph’s traditional spirit name in the Ojibwe language is Gii-mahn-kwat. Translated to the English language means Chief Cloud. He is a member of the Nemeh (Sturgeon) Clan. Gii-mahn-kwat is a proud member of the Ojibwe Tribe also known as the Faith Keepers. He was born at Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada, the fourth great stopping place in the migration of the Anishinabe, where he continues to reside.

Joseph Laford

Gii -mahn- kwat

Joseph D. Laford,

Native Community Care Couselling and Development (NCCCD), Cambrian Scholar - Cambrian Community College

Living Works Model - Suicide Intervention and Bereavement Trainer

Critical Incident Stress Management - Advanced

Gii-mahn-kwat (Joseph) is no stranger to mental health services, having spent approximately 17 years as a front line mental health counsellor and a clinic manager. While in this role, Gii-mahn-kwat (Joseph) was responsible for case management, suicide intervention and addictions.

Gii-mahn-kwat (Joseph) currently acts as a cultural consultant for CHIEF CLOUD SPEAKS. In this role, he leads a small team providing all manner of cultural teachings, many ceremonies, and providing solutions to various mental health issues. The majority of ceremonies which Gii-mahn-kwat facilitates are conducted in his Ojibwe language with methods derived from the old ways of our ancestors. Over the years he has worked with many prominent and respected medicine men and women. He has been bestowed with a traditional community pipe and has been given the honor of pouring water. He was ceremonied in 2013, and is now accepted as a medicine man.

Gii-mahn-kwat (Joseph’s) passion and life’s work is dedicated to bringing wellness to communities and individuals. He is an expert native resource with real life experience in personal growth through spiritual wellness and cultural identity.

Gii-mahn-kwat (Joseph) is a strong advocate and teacher for groups and individuals searching for wellness, built on spirituality as the foundation for a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. He has facilitated and spoken to many groups and communities including Anishinaabe Tribal Police, Canadian Mental Health Association, M'Chigeeng First Nation Health Services, Sheshegwaning First Nation Education Conference, and the Centre of Addiction and Mental Health (Aboriginal Sensitivity Training) among others. Gii-mahn-kwat (Joseph) has been an active member on numerous committees, ad hoc groups and boards including the Northeast Mental Health Centre, Native Advisory Board of the Anishnabek Educational Institute, and Board of Directors for KenjgewinTeg Educational Institute, Manitoulin Legal Clinic, Ojibway Cultural Foundation, Manitoulin Health and Social Services Advisory Committee. He has also served on Boards for Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services and the Sudbury/Manitoulin Children's Aid Society.

Joseph Laford is a powerful Anishnabe healer, with a mighty spiritual presence, who is also a gifted teacher.

Knowing Joseph, I have seen the powerful effect of forgiveness. By forgiving the people and circumstances which have harmed him in the past, instead of allowing them to hurt and belittle him, he now towers above them in spirit, refusing to become embittered. He is willing to reach across the cultural divide between native and non- native people, to offer traditional Anishnabe wisdom and teachings. I believe this offers hope for the healing of relations between our local communities, and for our society as a whole.I am honoured to call Joseph Laford my friend.

Elizabeth

Arizona