Aaniin, Wachiye, Tansi, and Hello

Vicky Laforge (Clear Sky Woman) of Nipissing First Nation is the owner and lead facilitator of Biibaagmin Indigenous Consultation & Cultural Training and brings more than 33 years of experience in social work, Indigenous child and family well-being, mediation, facilitation, cultural practice, education, and community-based healing.

Vicky is a former foster parent to 19 children and adoptive mother of 2, bringing both professional expertise and lived experience to her work supporting Indigenous families, children, and communities. Her work has focused extensively on prevention, family preservation, culturally grounded conflict resolution, restorative approaches, and Indigenous-led wellness systems.

She is professionally trained in mediation, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), family conferencing, circle facilitation, and Indigenous approaches to child and family well-being. Vicky has completed and delivered the full 60-hour provincial ADR training model throughout Ontario and has worked directly with First Nations and Indigenous organizations to co-develop and adapt portions of the training to meet specific community needs and realities.

Vicky is the creator of this Indigenous ADR Facilitator Framework and training model, which has been peer reviewed and supported by professionals, leaders, and partners connected to:

• Aboriginal Legal Services

• Nishnawbe Aski Nation

• Taykwa Tagamou Nation

• Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and First Nations leaders from communities throughout Ontario

Her work bridges provincial ADR expectations with Indigenous legal traditions, teachings, customs, and culturally grounded community practices.

Vicky currently provides:

• Indigenous ADR Facilitator Training

• Circle Process Development

• Family Conferencing and Mediation

• Child and Family Wellness Facilitation

• Restorative and Community Healing Processes

• Cultural and Trauma-Informed Training

• External Neutral Facilitation for communities and agencies

• Indigenous curriculum and policy development

As an educator and trainer, Vicky has taught within colleges, First Nations communities, Indigenous organizations, and agencies throughout Ontario and across Canada in areas relating to Indigenous child welfare, lateral violence, restorative practice, communication, trauma-informed care, conflict resolution, and Indigenous ADR approaches.

Her work is grounded in neutrality, respect, accountability, cultural integrity, and the belief that First Nations communities have the inherent right and capacity to develop and lead their own culturally grounded systems for resolving family and child well-being matters.