Spotted Dog Lady - Summer Reilly

Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Spotted Dog Lady carries her native name with pride. As a member of the Bear Clan, she embodies strength and protection. Her roots run deep in the Gull Bay First Nation, also known as Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek, located on the serene western shores of Lake Nipigon, two hours north of Thunder Bay.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Lake Superior and the rich cultural heritage of her people, Spotted Dog Lady found inspiration and guidance in the Bear Clan. The values of courage, resilience, and leadership were instilled in her from a young age.

Spotted Dog Lady’s journey is one of profound resilience. As a third-generation residential school survivor, she carries the legacy of her grandmother, who attended residential school, and her mother, who attended Indian day school. These experiences have deeply influenced her family’s history and her own path. Despite becoming a grade 9 dropout and living on the streets between Thunder Bay and Toronto from ages 12 to 18, she never lost sight of her potential.

Her struggle with substance use was a significant challenge, stifling her potential until she was 24. However, she discovered that the more she learned, the less anger she felt. This realization became a turning point, igniting a passion for education and personal growth.

Today, Spotted Dog Lady stands as a beacon of hope and strength. She has found empowerment in her heritage and community, intertwining her journey with the traditions and stories of her ancestors. Committed to preserving and sharing her heritage, she actively participates in community events, cultural practices, and personal storytelling. Her dedication to honoring the legacy of her family and contributing to the strength and unity of Gull Bay First Nation is unwavering.

Spotted Dog Lady’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, learning, and cultural pride. She continues to inspire others with her journey, proving that no matter the challenges, one can rise above and make a meaningful impact.

Education and Credentials

Business Administration - Human Resource Management
Certified Mental Health First Aid - First Nations Trainer
Lived Experience

Brian Edwards

Brian Edwards was born in Timmins, raised in Thunder Bay and spent a pivotal time developing professionally while living and working in James Bay, Ontario. Brian joined the James Bay Community Mental Health Program in the early 2000’s working as a Mental Health Counsellor and spent 3 years living in Moose Cree First Nation Territory.

After moving back home to Thunder Bay and purchasing a home in Gorham he began showing an interest in facilitating in 2011 while volunteering as a Firefighter/Emergency Medical Responder with Lappe Fire & Emergency Services. Brian soon became a Trainer Facilitator and continues to instruct to his fire brigade to present day.

His passion is promoting fire safety and physical and mental health first aid response to his community as a Fire Life Safety Educator and volunteer First Responder and Fire Fighter. He ended his front-line health care career in 2016 and joined St. John Ambulance training Physical First Aid and Mental Health First Aid across Northwestern Ontario.

Brian Edwards continues to instruct and promote fire safety and prevention, physical first aid readiness, naloxone administration, harm reduction elements and mental health first aid preparedness for everyone.

Education and Credentials

Lakehead University Bachelor of Arts Psychology Major