Reviews & Reflections
How was your experience with us?
"Attending this conference was very eye-opening for me, to just understand the history of the real people behind the residential schools and what you hear about on the news.
Seeing real faces and hearing their experiences firsthand was very eye-opening and helped me see a lot of the compassion and empathy I can help provide. This is an amazing opportunity for anyone in the counselling services, anyone who deals with people anywhere."
— Sheldon
“Instead of only sitting and listening, I got to share my opinions and feelings. Here it felt so comfortable, I was able to share my experiences, my community, and what I've seen along the way with residential school survivors, 60's scoop survivors... all of these things that have affected my family."
— Lynda (Residential School Survivor)
Helping a Helper's Journey Conference 2023
“We got to laugh and tell our own stories. I was so happy to come yesterday and I also had a good cry. I just burst into tears, but I realized that I've got to be brave and face the facts instead of just blocking it out. I was so shocked I said anything at all but then I felt all the weight off my shoulders."
— Sandy (Residential School Survivor)
“Daniel and all of the speakers did a great job of addressing very sensitive and heavy topics in such a way that it's not overwhelming, which I think is really important to be able to tackle some of these issues and make it attainable for people. I think this is a great experience for anybody, whether you're Indigenous or not... or even Canadian or not. I'm really grateful for this opportunity to come here and draw knowledge from all of the wisdom shared."
— Brayden
"Daniel was able to connect with our youth during the workshop, Breaking the Chains, in a way that ignited a spark in many youth to retrace their ways to discovering identity, self-worth, and Anishnawbe spirituality. Many respondents indicated they were inspired to make changes in their own lives after hearing Daniel share his life story.
Here are some of the comments from the final report:
'He inspired me to make my life the best it can be and to not be discouraged no matter what obstacles come my way.'
'The Breaking the Chains presentation by Daniel was the most meaningful to me.'
'The most meaningful workshop was Daniel's with the youth; I enjoyed it the most and it taught me how to get back on the right track. It also taught me lots more.'
'Daniel Sakchekapo is a very inspiring young man.'
'I liked how Daniel told the youth how hard his life was and then he started to get better and started to get involved in his culture.'
— Biimaadiziwen Wiidookaagewinini Cultural Program
Breaking the Chains Workshop
"After the impressive way that he connected to the students (over 500 youth), Daniel was also contracted to provide teachings to our staff.
He was sensitive and once again connected with all those who were present. He has a natural gift for teaching and delivering his message in a way that connects with those who are fortunate enough to receive his teachings. Our staff was so impressed with his message and connection that one of our staff members flew him up to Poplar Hill, a remote Ontario reserve, to speak to her students."
— Cathy Rodgers, Teacher at Fort Williams First Nation Internet High School
"Daniel provided some thought-provoking concepts that I had not learned before. A must to attend for the conference.
Thank you for sharing your story and knowledge!"
7 Natural Laws (Knowing Our Spirits Conference 2023)
"Great stories, unlocked memories. Presentation was very good. No words to explain."
"It was absolutely amazing! Keep up the great work. Presentation was definitely heartfelt."
"Daniel's voice is beautiful and he was able to capture the attention of the people we were trying to help out. His stories and teachings are simplified so that people from all levels of education or intellect can understand and everyone was able to take something very special home with them.
I have seen how Daniel's ceremonies bring people to a greater understanding of life and answers to their own personal struggles. Daniel is very gentle when it comes to his teachings and his ceremonies, it is his understanding that when you show kindness that it is infectious and teaches others to spread this kindness to others.
Daniel is very gifted and it would be greatly beneficial for ANYONE to hire or connect with him. I see him as gentle warrior."
— Carolyn Moar, Coordinator of More and Moar
"Really well done presentation. Wonderful job explaining about the gang issues."
"At first I was taken aback but really appreciated how raw the presentation was. There was no smoke and mirrors. The message was raw but extremely powerful. We need to hear from knowledgeable people like Daniel."
Story of Jordan Moss & Gang Prevention
"Daniel has shared his abilities and teachings with a number of programs at our agency, including women's programs, youth programs, special events, and others.
He has a particular gift for engaging people, both one on one and in group settings. I have been especially impressed by his ability to help people get to the heart of what they are negotiating by using powerful metaphors and posing questions that enroll them in their own solutions. In this way, he truly facilitates — by helping people help themselves, rather than giving them the answers."
— Sheryl Peters, Program Coordinator
"Daniel is very diligent in honouring the teachings, traditions, and medicines. He bridges traditional knowledge with a strong understanding of the everyday for young people, people of different beliefs, people of different backgrounds and from different experiences, and particularly those who have experienced life difficulties, emotional struggles, conflict with the law, addictions, self-harm, and other challenges."