Réseau Compassion Network is committed to walking the road to reconciliation, and one of our main tenants on this journey is the principle and respect rightly requested by Indigenous people: nothing for us without us.
We have been blessed to receive the support, guidance and gifts of our Indigenous Advisory Circle, a group of 12 people who share their time, perspectives and knowledge with us as we strive to create a network where belonging, safety and respect for all cultural practices lead the way.
Please meet the first three members of our Advisory Circle:
Tréchelle Bunn
At just 25 years old, Chief Tréchelle Bunn is the first woman and youngest person ever elected Chief of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation, and one of the youngest serving Chiefs in Canada.
She graduated with distinction from the University of Manitoba with a bachelor’s degree in Criminology and a minor in Indigenous Studies, and is currently pursuing a law degree at Robson Hall, the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba.
A dedicated advocate for Indigenous rights and youth empowerment, Chief Bunn has spoken on provincial, national, and international stages, including at the United Nations. She is the founder of the Reconciliation Run – Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation half-marathon. A former university hockey player, she also established the first Indigenous student-athlete scholarship at the University of Manitoba.
Chief Bunn was also recently appointed to Hockey Canada’s inaugural Indigenous Advisory Circle, formed to guide Hockey Canada’s efforts to advance the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action for sport (#87–91).
Her leadership and advocacy have been recognized with numerous honours, including the Indspire First Nations Youth Award, the King Charles III Coronation Medal, the CBC Manitoba Future 40 Award, and the University of Manitoba Outstanding Young Alumni Award.
Joseph Thompson
Joseph is originally from Duck Bay Manitoba and a proud Minegoziibe Anishinaabe Band Member. He earned a diploma in Business Administration from Red River College in 1989.
He has worked for private corporations and for government for the last 30 years and takes pride as a change maker. He believes that being involved is the only way change can be made and in providing input to employers regardless of how difficult the conversations are. He says it is crucial to the employer’s ability to listen and act.
He has been involved with Employment Equity/Diversity for over 30 years and has always been a supporter of equality. He possesses management and customer service with experience in Indigenous employment with proven leadership skills in planning and implementation.
His community involvement, whether it be through boards or committees, has been rewarding. He is currently on St. Boniface Hospital and Manito Ahbee board.
Joe has also been involved in systemic reviews on Indigenous employment, cultural awareness, conflict resolution, human rights, recruitment, retention, and truth and reconciliation.
He has been learning about culture and traditions for the last 20 years and is also a traditional dancer. He is currently a Knowledge Keeper at one of the education institutes in Winnipeg.
Joe was a 60s Scoop survivor and understands the impact of what it is to be a foster child, so he has been a foster parent for the last 14 years, hoping to make a difference in a child’s life.
Joe is involved in a small business venture called Turtle Island project which teaches the true history of Indigenous people and told by Indigenous people.
He currently is working on several human resource contracts that will assist employers in becoming successful in hiring and retaining Indigenous people. Joe is also involved in work that allows businesses to be more successful in developing Indigenous strategies pertaining to their goals and mission statements.
Shelley Cook
Shelley Cook is an Anishinaabe kwe, and proud member of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation who lives and works in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty 1 Territory. She is the Program Manager, Indigenous Relations at Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, where she focuses on building meaningful relationships with and in Indigenous communities and advancing reconciliation across the organization.
With a background in communications, Shelley is passionate about storytelling, learning, and creating space for honest conversations. Her work is grounded in respect, reciprocity, relationship, community, and a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous voices, knowledge, and self-determination.
Shelley is honoured to serve on the Indigenous Advisory Circle for the Réseau Compassion Network. She is also actively involved in several advisory and governance roles, including Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries’ Indigenous Advisory Circle, the St. James-Assiniboia School Division Indigenous Advisory Circle, The Forks’ inaugural Indigenous Advisory Circle, the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) Indigenous Advisory Circle, and the Neeginan Education, Training and Employment Services, Inc. (NETES) Board of Directors.
Outside of her work, Shelley is a mom and stepmom to three children.