Derrick Whiteskycloud
604.818.8375
49- 8266 King George Blvd. whiteskycloud@yahoo.com
Surrey, BC V3W 5C2
Profile
Métis Community Services Counsellor with 20 plus years in providing support to
clients in difficult situations. Highly dedicated and reliable with a strong ability to work
with support groups. Skilled in accurately assessing clients needs of the First Nations,
Métis and Inuit communities and providing information on appropriate available
resources. A history of creating and maintaining a supportive climate using empathy,
active listening skills, challenging comfort zones and setting appropriate boundaries.
Very flexible and able to adapt quickly to new responsibilities. An effective team
player who also works well independently.
Relevant Skills and Experience
Extensive relevant training and professional development combined with solid
work/life skills
Proven ability to work with and support multi-barriered families and individuals
Able to develop and maintain strong working relationships with clients
Advanced assessment and critical thinking abilities
Skilled at promoting and empowering motivation for change
Experienced in report writing and case management
Outreach Counsellor
Counselled clients suffering from anxiety as a result of death of a loved one
Assisted as the Métis Elder in mediation conflict situations (e.g. the truth and
reconciliation program for the Indian residential School Survival Society)
Métis Family Services Traditional Counsellor and Family Support Worker
Arranged and supervised visits between children in Ministry care and their
families, encouraging family cohesiveness while ensuring a safe environment for
children
Mediated conflict situations so that confrontational issues could be resolved in
constructive ways
Effectively supported families through various difficulties such as substance and
physical abuse and neglect
Maintained order, safety and a sense of calm during emergency situations,
effectively decreasing clients’ anxiety levels while improving their ability to cope
Provided community resources information to clients, allowing single parents to
acquire additional avenues of support
Worked in cooperation with the police department during crisis situation,
providing support and comfort to assist victims of crimes and accidents
Provided clear and accurate written reports after intervention for legal purposes,
office files and affective follow-up
Provided accurate documentation regarding family visits in order to incorporate
pertinent information into a suitable action plan
Scheduled appointments and screened phone calls for priority purposes to
maximize efficiency for timely case management
Provided support services to families at risk which included one-to-one
counselling, family counselling, advocacy with the child welfare system and referrals
to additional Métis community support services
Assisted as the Métis Elder in mediation conflict situations (egg) the truth and
reconciliation program (Indian Residential School Survival Society)
Derrick Whiteskycloud 604.818.8375
Professional Experience
Counsellor / Mentor (contract position) 2008-2011
Driftpile First Nations, Driftpile, AB
Counsellor / Mentor (contract position) 2009-2010
Sucker Creek First Nations, Sucker Creek, AB
Metis Elder (contract position) 2009
IRSSS, North Vancouver, BC
Traditional Counsellor 2005-2006
Metis Family Services, Surrey, BC
Traditional Counsellor (contract position) 1998
Wilp Si’ Satxw House of Purification, Kitwanga, BC
Relevant Training and Professional Development
Parent Coach Plan Program 2005
Kwantlen University College, Surrey, BC
Social Worker Intake Course 2005
In-House Training, Metis Family Services, Surrey, BC
Truth and Reconciliation Healing Program 2009
Indian Residential School Survivor Society, Elders Committee, Surrey, BC
Volunteer Experience
Cultural Director Board Member, Michif Historical and Cultural Preservation Society (Métis Museum)
Deacon Lay Minister, Inner Garden Online Chapel
Interests
Radio Broadcasting Native Arts and Crafts Motivational Speaking
References Available Upon Request
604.818.8375
49- 8266 King George Blvd. whiteskycloud@yahoo.com
Surrey, BC V3W 5C2
Profile
Métis Community Services Counsellor with 20 plus years in providing support to
clients in difficult situations. Highly dedicated and reliable with a strong ability to work
with support groups. Skilled in accurately assessing clients needs of the First Nations,
Métis and Inuit communities and providing information on appropriate available
resources. A history of creating and maintaining a supportive climate using empathy,
active listening skills, challenging comfort zones and setting appropriate boundaries.
Very flexible and able to adapt quickly to new responsibilities. An effective team
player who also works well independently.
Relevant Skills and Experience
Extensive relevant training and professional development combined with solid
work/life skills
Proven ability to work with and support multi-barriered families and individuals
Able to develop and maintain strong working relationships with clients
Advanced assessment and critical thinking abilities
Skilled at promoting and empowering motivation for change
Experienced in report writing and case management
Outreach Counsellor
Counselled clients suffering from anxiety as a result of death of a loved one
Assisted as the Métis Elder in mediation conflict situations (e.g. the truth and
reconciliation program for the Indian residential School Survival Society)
Métis Family Services Traditional Counsellor and Family Support Worker
Arranged and supervised visits between children in Ministry care and their
families, encouraging family cohesiveness while ensuring a safe environment for
children
Mediated conflict situations so that confrontational issues could be resolved in
constructive ways
Effectively supported families through various difficulties such as substance and
physical abuse and neglect
Maintained order, safety and a sense of calm during emergency situations,
effectively decreasing clients’ anxiety levels while improving their ability to cope
Provided community resources information to clients, allowing single parents to
acquire additional avenues of support
Worked in cooperation with the police department during crisis situation,
providing support and comfort to assist victims of crimes and accidents
Provided clear and accurate written reports after intervention for legal purposes,
office files and affective follow-up
Provided accurate documentation regarding family visits in order to incorporate
pertinent information into a suitable action plan
Scheduled appointments and screened phone calls for priority purposes to
maximize efficiency for timely case management
Provided support services to families at risk which included one-to-one
counselling, family counselling, advocacy with the child welfare system and referrals
to additional Métis community support services
Assisted as the Métis Elder in mediation conflict situations (egg) the truth and
reconciliation program (Indian Residential School Survival Society)
Derrick Whiteskycloud 604.818.8375
Professional Experience
Counsellor / Mentor (contract position) 2008-2011
Driftpile First Nations, Driftpile, AB
Counsellor / Mentor (contract position) 2009-2010
Sucker Creek First Nations, Sucker Creek, AB
Metis Elder (contract position) 2009
IRSSS, North Vancouver, BC
Traditional Counsellor 2005-2006
Metis Family Services, Surrey, BC
Traditional Counsellor (contract position) 1998
Wilp Si’ Satxw House of Purification, Kitwanga, BC
Relevant Training and Professional Development
Parent Coach Plan Program 2005
Kwantlen University College, Surrey, BC
Social Worker Intake Course 2005
In-House Training, Metis Family Services, Surrey, BC
Truth and Reconciliation Healing Program 2009
Indian Residential School Survivor Society, Elders Committee, Surrey, BC
Volunteer Experience
Cultural Director Board Member, Michif Historical and Cultural Preservation Society (Métis Museum)
Deacon Lay Minister, Inner Garden Online Chapel
Interests
Radio Broadcasting Native Arts and Crafts Motivational Speaking
References Available Upon Request
| WE ARE THE METIS We are the Metis; we're proud and we're strong; we have been searching for our peace, and it has been long. The government's thought to themselves, they had a victory made; time has gone by, where was no sun and no shade. You see our families breakaway, tearing apart from each other; with residential schools trying to destroy our sister and brother. Our hearts were full of rage, we must not carry; we sit in silence, with even the families we bury. Then along came this man, he had a dream, known as Riel; the government's feared him, they thought he was hell. He gathered our people, as close as we can be; for he carried a cross in the battlefields, like Galilee. Our families have given their lives through and through; its time to see the light for all of us and not to be blue. They fought for our freedom and of tierney that brought us under; guess what?, they thought they could best us, it was a blunder. There were many wars that our elders have fought; and now we are here to honor them, and take pride alot. For as long as we have breath, we'll walk with hope; We asked for Riel's justice, we burned the rope. For we are the Metis today, it's not justice we seek; we are a nation, we are strong and not weak. Riel did not give up, he made history for all; peace for mankind, with victory we stand tall. Tansi -written by Derrick Whiteskycloud- |