Meet the Team:
At Returning Home Society, our team is dedicated to creating spaces of healing, connection, and reconciliation. Each member brings their own unique experiences, cultural knowledge, and commitment to supporting Survivors, families, and communities impacted by the legacy of Residential Schools.
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Together, we work to honour the stories of the past while creating opportunities for healing, education, and cultural revitalization. Through community engagement, cultural programming, and relationship building, our team is committed to walking alongside individuals and communities on the journey toward truth, reconciliation, and a stronger future for generations to come.
Dawn McIntyre
Dawn McIntyre is a member of Canoe Lake Cree First Nation and serves as the Project Manager for Returning Home Society. She is committed to supporting Survivors, families, and communities through initiatives that honour lived experiences, strengthen connections, and promote healing. Her work is guided by respect, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the importance of preserving history while helping build a stronger future for generations to come.
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Dawn is passionate about advancing the work of truth and reconciliation by helping create spaces where Survivors' voices are heard, cultures are celebrated, and communities are supported on their healing journeys. Through her leadership, she contributes to projects that foster education, awareness, and meaningful relationships, recognizing that reconciliation is an ongoing commitment built on truth, respect, and shared responsibility.
Project Manager
Wehkees Durocher
Wehkees Durocher is from Canoe Lake Cree First Nation and serves as the Cultural Events Coordinator with Returning Home Society. Through his work, Wehkees focuses on creating meaningful cultural gatherings, community events, and opportunities for connection that honour the experiences of Residential School Survivors, families, and community members. He is dedicated to creating welcoming spaces where stories can be shared, traditions can be celebrated, and healing can take place through culture and connection.
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Wehkees is passionate about supporting truth and reconciliation by bringing people together through cultural programming, community engagement, and relationship building. His work reflects the importance of remembering the past while creating opportunities for education, healing, and hope for future generations. Through collaboration with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Survivors, and community partners, he helps strengthen the journey toward reconciliation and the preservation of Indigenous culture and history.
Cultural Events Coordinator
Cindy Powder
Cindy Powder has deep roots in the communities of Patuanak and Île-à -la-Crosse and was raised in Beauval, Saskatchewan. She brings a wealth of lived experience, cultural knowledge, and community connection to her role as a Wellness Education Worker with Returning Home Society. Cindy’s journey has also taken her to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, where she lived for over 20 years and worked alongside the Dene people, building meaningful relationships and gaining valuable experience in Indigenous wellness, culture, and community support.
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Through her work, Cindy is dedicated to promoting healing, wellness, and cultural understanding while supporting individuals, families, and communities. She believes in the importance of reconnecting with traditional teachings, sharing knowledge, and creating safe spaces for people to learn, heal, and grow. Her commitment to truth and reconciliation is reflected in her efforts to honour the experiences of Residential School Survivors, uplift Indigenous voices, and support the continuation of cultural teachings for future generations.
Wellness Education Worker
Professional photography for our team headshots was provided by Dale Apesis Photography