Mahara

Counsellor & Healer
Aboriginal Wellness Program

“I feel fortunate that my life’s purpose was revealed to me many years ago. My great grandfather was chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. He appeared to me in a dream and I realized I was going to be working with my people for the rest of my life. Then things just began to flow and fall into place. It’s not just a job to me. If I became a millionaire I would still do this work. I’ve been counselling for 28 years. The Indigenous people I work with have unresolved grief from trauma, the roots of which can be traced to colonization and residential schools. Often the people I work with are holding a lot of pain and anger in their being and I am very grateful to be able to give them hands on healing, either on the massage table or by giving them gentle physical support during a counselling session. One of the most important things in life is to know why you’re here. I’m doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing and in that way I feel honoured.”

Mahara has worked in VCH facilities since 2001. See current career opportunities in therapy services.