Melissa talks about how she was raised by a single mom and how blood memory – intuition, whispers of the heart and soul - are dear to her learning. She notes that there is systemic racism and microaggressions faced by Indigenous Peoples. She voices the importance of reading the Truth and Reconciliation: 94 Calls to Action and taking each one to heart. She shares how leaning into discomfort can cultivate the most impactful learning.
Dr. Melissa Jay (she/her) is a Nehiyaw (Cree) member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, registered psychologist, and assistant professor at Athabasca University. She uses her privilege to pave paths towards trauma-informed, socially just, anti-oppressive support through integrating ancient wisdom traditions and psychology. As the current Indigenous Director for the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, she is grateful to walk alongside Indigenous kin, across Turtle Island. Melissa is also director of Canmore Counselling and Trauma-Informed Yoga Psychology School, dedicated to her own healing journey and lifelong studentship. She lives in Canmore with her spouse and rescue-turned-therapy dog, Lulu.
