Testimonials

Michael Etherington delivered a thought provoking and engaging “Indigenous Cultural Awareness” session to Media Profile to help us better understand the role of history and the lived experience of Indigenous peoples in Canada. I think most Canadians are anxious to learn, understand and be part of change but struggle with where to start. I would highly recommend any organization start with Michael. He shared history, stories, facts and his lived experience to enlighten us on the complex plight of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples in Canada. Michael provided a safe place for us all to learn, reflect and ask questions. We still have much to learn and I will be engaging Michael to facilitate further sessions.
Alison King, President, Media Profile

It was an absolute pleasure for the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s senior leadership team to engage with Michael through his “Indigenous Cultural Awareness” session – it was thought provoking and impactful in precipitating reflection and dialogue. Michael used his unique brand of storytelling to debunk stereotypes, challenge the modern day lexicon and facilitate an honest dialogue about how history has influenced the lives, culture and present day health of Indigenous people in Canada. Moreover, his ability to leverage kindness, truth and humor to create the ‘safe-space’ required for the team to openly reflect on their own cultural assumptions, beliefs, and attitudes was truly remarkable.
Yves Savoie, Chief Executive Officer, Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada

Michael Etherington delivered 4 all-day Indigenous Cultural Awareness workshops (in-person and virtual) to all of our team members across Canada. Michael had a wealth of knowledge and the information he presented was factual and neutral. The general feedback from our diverse team members where there is a broad range of experience working with northern communities in particular was that the information was “eye opening.” Michael found creative ways for our workshop participants to engage, ask questions, and be curious.
Megan Leslie, Chief Executive Officer, World Wildlife Fund Canada

Michael Etherington delivered an engaging and insightful workshop on Indigenous Cultural Awareness to the staff and Board of the Koffler Centre of the Arts. Michael generously shared his knowledge, expertise and lived experience with our team over a full-day session, and deepened our collective understanding of the history and contemporary experiences of Indigenous peoples within Canada. Deftly balancing lecture and discussion, Michael covered a wide range of topics—from key events such as the Indian Act, Residential Schooling, and the Sixties Scoop to a primer on land and treaty rights—demystifying complex ideas, addressing misconceptions and providing ample opportunity for dialogue and self-reflection. He also provided a variety of resources to help extend our learning beyond the workshop. I would highly recommend Michael’s training to any organization wishing to build its knowledge of Indigenous perspectives, and deepen its commitment to solidarity, anti-racism and decolonization.
Karen Tisch, Executive Director, Koffler Centre of the Arts

Michael presented to the IESO during National Indigenous Peoples Day on Indigenous Cultural Awareness. He provided a unique perspective on Indigenous culture and heritage through his use of personal stories and experiences. He engaged participants to grasp their understanding and knowledge of Indigenous culture and history, and broke down common misconceptions. Michael provided a great presentation - thank you.
Brett Smith, Senior Manager (First Nation Metis Relations), Independent Electricity System Operator

We were looking for ways to begin a discussion around developing a cross-cultural perspective and methodology in our day-to-day operations. Our practice engages diverse communities in both the cultural producer and audience sides of our business and therefore, a broader understanding was needed for all staff. Michael guided us through a history of events, politics and policies that made visible a history often omitted in traditional education. He shared information and experience through relevant contemporary and historic examples that made the importance of such discussions tangible. Michael was able to expertly manage the cross-cultural discussions and debate of the sessions with wisdom, generosity and humour. An exceptional experience!
Carol Podedworny, Director, McMaster Museum of Art, McMaster University

Michael was an energetic and informative speaker. He provided an informative overview of Indigenous history in Canada, and provided an open and trusting learning environment. We were happy to host such a wonderful event and look forward to booking more sessions with Michael in the future.
Laurel Stroz, Employment and Equity Manager, Rogers Communication

Michael Etherington talk on moving beyond rhetoric and building meaningful relationship was both insightful and educational. His guidance and articulation of assumptions about Indigeneity and what our responsibility as Canadians to respect, learn from and be aware of in terms of the various Indigenous perspectives is critical for our cultural organization. As Harbourfront Centre works to solidy its commitment to the path of reconciliation, sharing perspectives, experiences and personal stories made the talk meaningful and inspiring.
Iris Nemani, Chief Programming Officer, Harbourfront Centre Toronto

Michael Etherington is an outstanding speaker and leader on Indigenous engagement. We recently enhanced our New Employee Orientation program and our Leaders Orientation program by adding sessions on Indigenous Cultural Awareness delivered by Michael. A skilled and knowledgeable facilitator, Michael uses a combination of research and lived experience to candidly take learners on a journey of discovery while explaining the historical, political, and social nuances that impact Indigenous culture. In his sessions, Michael challenges assumptions and raises bold and thought-provoking questions. He reminds us that we are all treaty peoples and inspires participant action towards truth and reconciliation. Michael is a pleasure to work and learn with!
Tanya Sinclair, Director Talent Management, Ryerson University (renaming in process)

Our ELMNT FM team(s) learned so much from our two sessions with Michael. It was the interaction that was important. Michael made us feel inclusive in learning an important part of our countries history that was never taught in schools. Everybody who attended came away with a great knowledge of the truth and understanding of that history. We also realized that what Indigenous people experienced can't be changed but our attitudes and understanding going forward can be.

Step by step we will improve our relationships with those who own the land. With this new knowledge comes understanding. So glad that Michael was able to share this important history with us. Our commitment now is to set up a process of continuous learning around important indigenous issues.
Dave Charles, Operations Manager, ELMNT FM Toronto

In January, 2018, Michael Etherington shared the 'Indigenous Competency Training' with the University of Toronto, Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design. Participants included graduate students, professors, Dean of the Faculty, Director of the Master of Landscape Architecture program, graduate students and professors from Ryerson University's School of Urban and Regional Planning, and other invited guests from the City of Toronto and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). Michael's personal stories and approachable nature made everyone comfortable with asking questions. He encouraged us to think deeply about the information explained in the two-hour session. He provided with several references to books, articles, and legal cases for those seeking to further their knowledge. He gave us a sense of the everyday experiences of people affected by colonialism and the legacies of Canada's policies and challenged us to move beyond rhetoric. A learning that resonated with many of us was how poorly Canadians are generally educated in the history of Indigenous peoples. Michael challenged us to consider how Reconciliation is a process – a building of new relations, trust, and respect – rather than an outcome, or a checklist to be completed as a meaningless exercise. All left the room with a deeper understanding of Indigenous issues and a greater sense of personal obligation to do better.
Liat Margolis, Director, Master of Landscape Architecture Program, University of Toronto

Michael delivered an engaging and powerful workshop for Canadian Heritage employees in Ontario region. He weaved hard data, profound anecdotes and traditional story-telling together into an interactive and humorous workshop. In doing so, he demystified misconceptions and stereotypes and brought an awareness to the complexity of challenges facing various Indigenous communities. We look forward to working with Michael again in the future.
Seema Jethalal, Regional Director General, Canadian Heritage Government of Canada

Michael’s story provided us with valuable insight into the indigenous culture and heritage. This insight will help inform our relationships with indigenous and non-Indigenous alike. His presentation was very enlightening.
Kalinkov Nelea, Human Resources Generalist, Express Scripts Canada

We were very fortunate to have Michael Etherington attend our recent meeting of the Association of Medium-Sized Public Libraries of Ontario (AMPLO). Michael gave an excellent keynote address and provided an uplifting, positive and informative training session on indigenous culture, history and communications for our audience of Public Library CEOs. We had many people comment after the training that they enjoyed Michael’s presentation and found it very helpful and informative. Michael framed difficult topics with a positive, humorous style. The amount of information he covered in the keynote address was impressive. Michael was wonderful to work with and we learned a great deal from him. We highly recommend him to organizations large and small who are interested in learning more about indigenous culture and communications in Canada.
Trevor Pross, CEO, Belleville Public Library and John M. Parrott Art Gallery

Michael’s Cultural Awareness presentation at our office on July 13, 2016 called attention to important issues and attitudes from Canada’s past and present to explain the effects of colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and communities, and to contextualize contemporary issues. Over the course of the day his personable and engaging style, group activities, and stories about growing up in Mushkegowuk Territory, whether they were humorous or from the heart, helped me understand some of these experiences on a very personal level. His conclusion was an uplifting discussion about cultural competency and wellness showing that we can all contribute meaningfully to reconciliation by being mindful, curious and willing to learn in our daily lives. I highly recommend Michael to any company or organization that wishes to engage staff in diversity and equity initiatives and improve their awareness and understanding of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
Karen Travers, Research Analyst, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB)

Michael is an excellent presenter and workshop leader. I had the opportunity to participate in Cultural Awareness Training led by him. He clearly presented concepts and facts in a way that was easy to follow along by the group. He encouraged discussion and involvement by the participants. His use of personal stories and humour illustrated his points while causing us to examine our views of history, empathy, resilience, reconciliation and equity. Thank you, Michael!
Julie Cookson , Executive Director, Anishnawbe Health Foundation

I received wonderful feedback and kudos with respect to Michael’s delivery and interaction with our group. Michael’s personal antidotes and experiences woven together with historical facts and aboriginal traditions engaged our group in such a way that we all took something special away from his presentation. Our goal at the outset of our retreat was wellness – for our staff to take away messages and techniques that would benefit them not only at work, but beyond as well. Michael’s messages gave us a lot to think about. He translated his own personal experiences with respect the teachings of his elders and community members and gave us more lessons to consider including forgiveness, personal investment in others, assumptions, wellness and growth. Michael has a gift. What he can do is very special and I feel very blessed to have been able to participate in one of his sessions. I would recommend his talent and services both inside and outside of my role at the Ministry of the Attorney General and I would be happy to provide a client reference for Michael’s services.
Lisa Leclerc, Senior Manager, Business and Strategic Planning Ontario of Ministry of Attorney General

The Ontario Government Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change had the pleasure of hosting Michael Etherington to provide his insight on the impacts of climate change on Indigenous communities in Ontario. Michael painted a vivid picture of the traditions of his people and contrasted those images with the reality of a warming climate.Michael is a captivating storyteller. He used a variety of techniques to engage his audience, such as interspersing words from his native language and explaining their meaning and importance in a way that connects to his audience. We come to learn about the nurturing of children and youth, the deep sense of community an strong connection to the land. His rich family history serves as a backdrop to understanding the life of Indigenous people.Michael was well received by staff and other ministries have expressed interest in having Michael attend their staff development days, especially in light of the steps the Ontario government is taking toward reconciliation. Others can only benefit from hearing his wise and engaging words.
Donnette Stoll, Senior Communications Advisor, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

Michael Etherington recently led an extremely insightful and eye-opening Indigenous Cultural Competency Training session with the members of a Board I sit on: the Ontario Museum Association. It was an exceptional experience. Michael totally unpacked very complex issues; illustrated things well through audience participation; and brought an immense arsenal of facts to the table. He demonstrated a deep understanding of the judicial structures, government policies and power dynamics (both historical and contemporary) that are important to understand if you want to be, as he put it, on the “right side of history” with truth and reconciliation in Canada. The session was a valuable experience for each individual and I immediately reached out to book Michael for a repeat session with my staff team representing three departments at Canada’s National Ballet School. I think this training is essential for all of us to experience and especially those colleagues on my team who deliver programs in partnership with indigenous communities, artists and educators. Michael is a very generous guy who used humour and personal storytelling to help make his points in a memorable way. I appreciated his position that we need to understand accountability on both sides of this issue. And while he can clearly lay out the myriad state-sponsored racist and genocidal programs that the government has run over the years, he starts at a place of forgiveness and welcomes the opportunity to create dialogue and teachable moments around the stereotypes or misconceptions born of unintentional (or intentional) ignorance to this issue. Michael has motivated me to invest even more time in my own research and education on the subject going forward.
John Dalrymple, Chief of External Affairs, Canada’s National Ballet School | Secretary, Ontario Museum Association

Michael gave a presentation to Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Canada staff based in Toronto and Thunder Bay as part of a professional development training given our research and communications with First Nations in northern Ontario, the Yukon, and the Arctic. Michael’s presentation with comprehensive and his personal stories and experiences made the material both engaging and impactful for our staff. I recommend Michael to any company or organization that wishes to engage staff in improving their knowledge and understanding of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
Cheryl Chetkiewicz, Associate Conservation Scientist, WCS Canada

Michael has been a dedicated and committed volunteer Speaker with Historica Canada`s Passages Canada program for many years now. Mike sees himself as a bridge between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples, and his focus on relationship building, promoting awareness and cultivating sensitivity exemplifies the role of a Passages Canada speaker. His passion and enthusiasm in engaging with audiences of different backgrounds and ages is quite remarkable. We have received and continue to receive positive feed back from teachers and community organizers about Mike`s presentations to their students and groups. Mike a pleasure to work with!
Muna Gaye, Program Officer , Historica Canada

It has been an absolute pleasure to have had the opportunity to work alongside and learn from Michael over the past couple years. Michael has a true gift for facilitating, teaching and working with young people; he is the ultimate adult ally. Michael creates a safe space for young people to share their stories and engage with the materials. Michael has a wealth of knowledge and is able to bring content to life for participants.
Kristy Ste Marie, Acting Manager, The Youth Advocacy Training Institute, Ontario Lung Association

The Indigenous Cultural Competency Training delivered by Michael Etherington provided an excellent introduction and overview to Indigenous histories, perspectives, experiences, and worldviews here in Canada. Fostering an observational learning approach, Michael shared his lived experience through personal stories, interwoven into a dynamic and enlightening historical narrative. Michael is a strong communicator, speaking with confidence and clarity. Sharing his warm and open personality and joyful sense of humour, Michael created a learning environment that encouraged participants to ask questions, seek help and share views. Tackling some very difficult and dark chapters of Canadian history, Michael helped participants put historical challenges into present-day contexts, and encouraged participants to consider how their personal and professional actions can contribute to the broader goals of national Reconciliation in Canada today.
Tracy Wright, Environment and Climate Change Canada

Michael spoke at a symposium I organized for high school students, and he did a fantastic job all round. He met with me when I was in the organizational phase, helping me generate ideas and contacts in advance. He didn't need to do that, but he did, and his suggestions and sensitivity aided me in creating an experience for the students that was appropriate to their experience as well to the many indigenous speakers who joined us that day. Beyond that Michael delivered a well-attended and dynamic workshop where he shared his own story, inviting the students to challenge their knowledge and stereotypes on the path to reconciliation. At the end of the day, and with relatively little advance notice, Michael took on the job of closing speaker for the full assembly of 400 boisterous high school students, and his remarks - complete with dramatic characterizations - touched them and created a perfect end note. I'm so happy that I contacted and met Michael!
Scott Masters, Head of Social Studies and Director of Oral History Project, Crestwood College

Michael gave a presentation to 25 young bilingual leaders from across Canada, aged 15 to 17, gathered in Toronto for a yearly event called the National Ambassador Youth Forum. Michael was very diligent in making sure that the content of his presentation was well-adapted to the overall message of our event, and he was well-organized and professional. His talk was engaging and inspiring, and succeeded raising awareness in participants and staff alike. I highly recommend Michael. He nailed it.
Pier-Nadeige Jutras, Executive Director, French for the Future

Michael has an exceptional ability to captivate audiences of all sizes and backgrounds. He makes presentations meaningful to ‎each participant so that they feel respected and engaged. His ability to manage any space, especially during difficult conversations and topics is one of his most valuable assets, which allows participants to feel safe, supported and able to ask questions. Michael can make meaning of any topic to any person. He was always a go-to Facilitator when dealing with difficult topics or groups because I could be confident that he would use his talent for relationship-building and human connection to educate and engage participants.
Brittany Young, Senior Advisor, Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Michael delivered a wonderful presentation to our staff retreat, the overwhelmingly positive reception is certainly a testament to his ability as a communicator and command of the topic.
Matthew Casselman, Policy Analyst, Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services

Michael Etherington spoke at our recent all staff meeting. His presentation was fantastic, easily the highlight of our event. He helped me begin to understand some very complex issues and spoke with great passion and wit. Any audience would benefit from his hearing his perspectives.
Stephen Faul, CEO, Frontier College

The Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services was very fortunate to have Michael participate in the ministry’s 2018 Ontario Works First Nations Forum as a keynote speaker. His address on moving forward beyond rhetoric and building meaningful relationships was powerful, insightful and resonated with the audience.Michael adeptly wove together personal anecdotes, stories and traditional teachings with facts and data to demonstrate the importance of relationship building between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.I would highly recommend Michael’s services to any organization wanting to better understand and strengthen their relationship with Indigenous peoples.
Anna Cain, Director, Ontario Works