Hello my name is Amanda Balsillie, MSW, RSW.  I have been a social worker for 14 years in the Province of Alberta.  I believe everyone deserves to have a happy and fulfilled life.  However, many struggle with Mental Health and may at times need someone to talk to.  Life can be stressful and how we are able to cope and become resilient is so important.  I am a Provisional Clinical Social Worker and here to help guide you through your mental health journey.  

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I was born and raised in Yellowknife, NT and have family throughout the Northwest Territories.  I identified as Metis for most of my life, until my mother Jane Balsillie finally decided to share the identity of my father.  In my late 20's, I met my biological father Raymond Marie and have come to know that I am First Nations descent with a proud history of a paternal Chief that was sent to sign Treaty 8.  Many relations of my paternal side are band members with Salt River First Nation in Fort Smith, NT. I have come to know that many relations on my father's side are successful business owner's and served in powerful leadership roles within the Government.  In a twist of band membership, my father decided to register as a band member with Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation.  As I was told the family lineage runs between these two communities.  I am an Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation member to Fort Chipewyan, Alberta.  A community that I have never seen or have connected with.  I am also, like many others, on this journey of reclaiming my own identity as an Indigenous person.

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My maternal grandmother was raised in Fort McMurray area and would tell me stories of long ago how they would go up the river to Fort Chipewyan and she would pick medicines with her grandmother.  My beautiful Setsune, Anne Balsillie (Lacorde) taught me some words in the Chipewyan language.  However, she truly never wanted to teach me fluently.  I believe this was out of fear of being treated different and the history of colonization with Indigenous people in Canada. 

 

As much as I would like to say that my upbringing was great and wholesome.  It was not, I suffered growing up with much trauma.  I feel that most of my life has been in survival mode and now I am finally starting to feel peace.  

 

I became a social worker to help Indigenous children have someone to talk to so they do not have to suffer in silence anymore.  I work with families to foster healthier relationships and organizations to educate and deliver services in a holistic way.  Mental Health is needed more than ever in our society and even more so for our Indigenous relations.  Marsi Cho, Amanda Balsillie