The Thunderbird Sisters Collective Circle
Meet Ryan Lafleur – our Youth Mentor. This young man has a very bright future! Ryan is a proud Citizen of the Metis Nation of Ontario and PCMNO Post Secondary Representative. He previously served on the Ottawa Region Metis kg Council as their Youth Representative. Ryan strives to give back to community. He is currently studying feminist and gender studies at Ottawa University.
He is excited and plans on bringing his knowledge, experience and creativity together to create projects and workshops for the Indigenous community of women and two-spirit folks – to provide opportunities for cultural learning for all. Ryan is very talented – he plays fiddle, beads, paints, weaves and jigs – and he looks forward to sharing his skills. Ryan has acquired experience working on his own and also as a team lead with the MNO’s Summer Youth Program.
In his own words…. “I know how to delegate tasks where I can, to make all team members use their strengths where needed. When coordinating events, I know how to respect people’s visions and my own while remaining realistic about what can happen. That being said, I like to aim high and have my own flair”.
Louise Bird
Louise is a Citizen of the Metis Nation of Ontario and founding member of The Thunderbird Sisters Collective. She is a fibre artist, community supporter and nature lover. Louise recently retired from an admirable nursing career.
Stacey Olynick
Stacey is a mother of twin Métis girls from Kitcisakik and a graduate of the University of Ottawa with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and geography. During her studies, she immersed myself in Indigenous topics, deepening her understanding and appreciation of Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and environmental stewardship.
“As a settler, I have been profoundly inspired by the strength and wisdom of Indigenous communities. This inspiration led me to create a volunteer project on food sovereignty in collaboration with members of Kitcisakik. Together, we cultivated food in the community greenhouse and reconnected with traditional knowledge by harvesting medicinal plants, fruits, and boreal herbs on ancestral lands.
Following the birth of my twins in 2019, I took time to focus on my family. Now, in 2025, I am eager to reconnect with Indigenous communities, contribute to meaningful projects, and continue my learning journey. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to walk this path alongside inspiring people, guided by the land, traditions, and the drum.”
Louise Garrow
Louise recently retired from working at First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Indigenous Services Canada, now is working on Anishnaabemowin language (Ojibway) and culture projects. She is Anishinaabe kwe of Sagamok Anishnaabek First Nation. She speaks Anishnaabemowin and writes using the double vowel system. She studied at Trent University. She has her hons. BA in Indigenous Studies and Political Studies.
She worked for 19 years in the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch retiring in 2019 with 26 years of federal public service. Louise is interested in health issues including Mental Health and Wellness. Previously she worked at Trent University for 9 years as curriculum co-ordinator and also Native Student Counsellor. Louise is currently self employed working on Anishnaabemowin language projects in doing translation, teaching Anishnaabemowin and other cultural work. She recently taught an Introductory course at Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health.
Patsea Griffin
Patsea is the founder and Executive Director of The Thunderbird Sisters Collective. She is a proud Citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario as well as Chair of the Ottawa Métis Council. Since 2019, Patsea has facilitated the weekly Beading With Patsea! circle. She has co-directed the 2019/2021 No Borders Art Festivals, co-organized of the 2021 Women’s Art Festival and served on the board of The Multicultural Artists Coalition (MAC-CAM).
Born and raised on her ancestral land along the Kichi Sibi (Ottawa River) on unceded Algonquin territory, Patsea is special blend of many bloodlines including Ontario Métis.
She also finds time to escape to the countryside and loves being a roadkill adventurer (always on the lookout for porcupines).
Artist. Beadworker. Poet. Drummer. Singer. Knowledge Seeker. Dreamer.
‘My art keeps me connected to nature, my mother, and all my relations in the spirit world.’
Isaac Murdoch
Ojibway name is Manzinapkinegego’anaabe / Bombgiizhik is from the fish clan and is from Serpent River First Nation. Isaac is well respected as a storyteller and traditional knowledge holder. He has committed his life to the preservation of Anishinaabe cultural practices and has spent years learning directly from Elders. He is a strong supporter of The Thunderbird Sisters Collective and a personal and as well as a professional/organizational mentor and knowledge holder.
The Thunderbird Sisters Collective 