Biography of Tony Alexis

Tony Alexis is the President-CEO and founder of Native Networks Inc, is a Native Entrepreneur, Keynote Speaker and Community Helper.

Born in a small town outside of Alexis, the Native Community where he grew up, Tony was raised with his relatives and is a fifth generation leader within his family. He continues to work for his people as a community helper.

Tony uses his experience and knowledge from growing up on his Native Community to help build effective programs, with the intention of further advancing Native Communities in productive and healthy way.

Tony is a wonderful speaker, enjoys sharing his past and present day experiences, including his struggles, life lessons and obstacles as a part of his presentations. Through his workshops he provides hope and insight in support of a bright future for Native People.

Tony's keynote and workshop appearances include speaking to Native audiences throughout Canada and the United States on "Effective Personal, Professional Development and Team Building Strategies".

Other speaking engagements consist of Governments, Industry and Educational Institutions, as well as International audiences in Europe, on Aboriginal Relations Training & Development. ("Building communication bridges and an understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal People")

Tony loves working in his business, helping his community, coaching sports and visiting with friends and family; and he believes the best resources for success is through consistent focus, the Creator and hard work.

Dougie Rain

"Sharing a Message for Youth Workers & Parents -  Helping Youth Succeed"

Dougie is recognized throughout North America as a "Champion Traditional Dancer". He is part of an elite traditional group of dancers that tours the pow-wow circuit year round. This group radiates positive energy and empowers First Nations maintaining their identity and corporate culture. As one of Canada's most prestigious traditional dancer's Dougie has led over 2,000 Grand Entries in his lifetime. This is a responsibility he takes serious and helps Tribal Leaders welcome everyone into their community.

Touring like he is on the Pow-wow Trail, Dougie is visiting Communities to share his inspiring story and his teachings. His message for Aboriginal Youth Workers, including Parents determined to give their children a traditional and valued lifestyle.

Dougie has worked with Children, Youth and families for nearly 20 years in different capacities. He has worked with many youth on probation, youth in-group homes and mentoring youth in school settings.  With that experience, he has committed himself to sharing his experience with Youth Workers and Parents.

Dougie has tremendous training and education in areas of Mental Health and Wellness, such as "Grief & Loss", "Group & Individual Counselling" and other certificates to help and support people who are suffering and need help. An artist, Dougie has a passion for and received training from Choice College to enhance his Graphic Art and Website Design Skills.

Dougie firmly believes in addressing identity issues by kindly introducing cultural activity enhances self-esteem, and individuality at any age. Working with Enoch Cree Nation and Kitaskinaw School, he was actively involved in developing a "Native Fine Arts Program" where he introduced beading and sewing projects to foster self-esteem, create positive identity and awareness.

Dougie is the recipient of the 2010 Alberta Aboriginal Role Models Award for "Preserving Culture & Traditions" and has been recognized as a leader amongst his peers and the Native Community.  He has also won many International and National Awards as a Competitive Traditional Powwow Dancer.

A Nakota/Cree from the Paul First Nation, Dougie continues to enjoy his life and traditional lifestyles with his Brothers, Family and Friends.

Allison Pratley

"Making a Difference for Aboriginal Youth across Alberta"

Allison is the Aboriginal Connections Coordinator for KidSport Alberta. She graduated from the University of Alberta in the faculties of Physical Education and Secondary Education specializing in Special Needs Education.

Sports have played an immense role in Allison's life which is why she is very passionate about giving every child the opportunity to experience the positive benefits of sports. Allison loves working with the Aboriginal communities in Edmonton and Alberta and learning about Aboriginal culture.

KidSport's Aboriginal Sport Initiative:

KidSport Alberta believes that there is a significant opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Aboriginal Youth across Alberta by encouraging participation in organized sport.

Through our 35 local chapters, KidSport provides registration fee support to kids 18 years and younger in order to remove the financial barriers that prevent them from playing organized sport.

Since the launch in 1995, KidSport™ Alberta has assisted 42,229 kids to become involved in sports programs who would not have been able to afford to play without the help of KidSport™. Over $7.3 million has been distributed to assist kids in pursuing their dreams in sports.