Profiles

FOUNDER OF EARTHCODE

ALVIN MANITOPYES is of Plains Cree, Anishnawbe, Nakoda ancestry and is an enrolled member of the Muskowekwan First Nations, Saskatchewan, Canada. He was raised in a traditional manner and was taught the importance of preserving ancient Indigenous knowledge and interpretation of natural laws according to the teachings of his Elders. Alvin is recognized as an accomplished traditional dancer on the North America pow-wow circuit and has travelled extensively throughout Europe and South America sharing his culture and traditional knowledge. His experience and knowledge in traditional healing practices has been utilized by many organizations in particular for staff who desire to understand Indigenous cultures. Alvin has presented workshops/lectures for numerous environmental and wellness conferences for both mainstream and Native American audiences throughout North America and abroad. He has considerable experience in advancing the social and economic development of First Nations through designing innovative capacity-building initiatives for several national and community-based organizations. Alvin has co-founded several social and educational organizations in Calgary such as the Plains Indian Cultural Survival School and the Awotaan Healing Lodge, an agency that provides support to families at risk. He has initiated the national Aboriginal environmental training program, BEAHR sponsored by Eco-Canada.

Alvin has 25 years of experience managing Indigenous federal government programs in areas of project and community development as a consultant for the Public Health Agency of Canada, Employment & Immigration Commission, and Secretary of State. He has been involved in developing community engagement policies for First Nation communities and corporations in areas of consultation processes and impact benefit agreements.  Alvin has also functioned in the capacity as an advisor for numerous corporations and First Nations leadership in areas of self-government, treaty interpretation, economic development, duty to consult, corporate strategic planning, international marketing, business development, human resource development, and joint ventures projects associated with resource and environmental development operations on First Nations and Native American tribal lands in North America. Alvin received his certification in Indigenous Leadership, Governance, and Management Excellence from the Banff Centre.