Sheila Nyman

 

 Photo by Red Works Photography

 

Shelia Nyman is a Syilx (Okanagan) Métis woman from the Lower Similkameen in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia her spirit name is “Stands Strong like a Rock Bearwoman” and by the generosity of the Ancestors lives in the Interior of BC. Sheila worked extensively with women, mental health and well-being in and around Vancouver’s DTES from 1994 to 2007. She was involved in the early 90s in the organizing of the Women’s Memorial March and continues the connection in the world of stopping violence against women. From 2009 to 2013, she worked supporting former survivors of Residential Schools involved in the settlement process and Truth and the Reconciliation activities. Sheila received a Fellowship from the University of Victoria and completed her Master’s thesis in 2015, which explored the link between ancient Indigenous Ceremony/Traditional Healing and energy therapies such as Somatic Experiencing. She is a skilled intuitive trauma counselor who integrates traditional healing and knowledge into her work. Sheila has been mentored and initiated into “Indigenous Healing and Ceremony” by Spiritual leader and Pipe Carrier, Aline LaFlamme, who is known as “Many Buffalo Running.” She has completed six “Spirit Quests” (vision quest, mountain fasts). She has learned and earned the responsibility to hold a people’s Pipe conducting healing ceremonies such as Moon Lodge and Sweat Lodge. Her connection with Grandmother Moon has inspired her interest in learning and understanding the inter-connections of the energy of our great mother, the Earth. Sheila has participated on several research teams with FEAST Co-leads, Randy Jackson and Renée Mashing as well as with other members of the research team. Projects of note include: CANOC (SFU); Stable Homes Strong Families (CAAN/McMaster); The WATCH Study (McMaster); CHIWOS (Women’s College Hospital) and The Cradle Board Tool Kit. (BSW MSW RSW). All my relations.