Helen Arcand

INDIGENOUS CARE LIAISON | CULTURAL ADVOCACY | HOLISTIC SUPPORT

Edmonton, AlbertaMember since February 2, 2026

Indigenous & Métis cultural knowledge and community relationsTraditional teachings, ceremonies, protocols & healingElder and community knowledge-holder relationshipsIndigenous client & family advocacyCultural awareness and educationHolistic and client-centered supportTrauma and colonization awarenessCommunity resource navigation and referralsCase management and documentationConflict resolution and problem solvingCritical thinking and sound judgmentCollaborative relationship buildingConfidentiality and privacyMicrosoft Office & Google Workspace

About

Indigenous and Métis community professional with extensive experience supporting Indigenous individuals, families, students, and communities through culturally responsive counselling, advocacy, case management, cultural education, and community resource navigation. Resident of Alexander First Nation with extensive knowledge of traditional Indigenous teachings, ceremonies, protocols, traditional healing, and community ways of knowing, developed through ongoing learning and relationships with Elders and community members. Experienced in building trust and serving as a bridge between Indigenous people, families, organizations, schools, employers, government services, and community agencies.

Strong understanding of colonization, residential schools, historical and intergenerational trauma, and the importance of holistic, culturally appropriate support.

Social

Work background with experience working in a detox setting alongside a Registered Nurse.

Experience

Indigenous Student Counsellor - Sturgeon Public School Division - Morinville, AB

(2023 - 2024)

Provided individual and group support to Indigenous students, assessing needs, identifying barriers, and developing individualized action plans.
Built trusting relationships with students and families through culturally responsive, respectful, and non-judgmental support.
Connected students and families with school, community, and other support resources.
Supported Indigenous cultural awareness and facilitated workshops and presentations.
Collaborated with families, school staff, community agencies, and other stakeholders.
Maintained accurate and confidential documentation.

Client Intake Worker - Christmas Bureau of Edmonton - Edmonton, AB

(2022 - 2023)

Conducted client intake, eligibility screening, needs assessment, and referrals in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner.
Supported individuals from diverse backgrounds while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
Maintained accurate client records and database information.

HR Manager / Aboriginal Liaison - Alexander First Nation Band Office - Alexander First Nation

(2016 - 2020)

Served as an Indigenous/Aboriginal liaison, building relationships among Indigenous community members, employees, employers, and organizations.
Supported cultural awareness and delivered presentations on Indigenous issues, culture, and trauma impacts.
Applied knowledge of Indigenous culture and community protocols in workplace and community settings.
Supported recruitment, onboarding, employee concerns, conflict resolution, and workplace issues.
Worked in remote camp environments with diverse populations and supported culturally respectful workplaces.
Managed sensitive employee matters, investigations, performance issues, and confidential information.

HR Manager / Aboriginal Liaison - Paragon Gaming / River Cree Resort & Casino - Enoch, AB

(2012 - 2014)

Served as an Indigenous/Aboriginal liaison, building relationships among Indigenous community members, employees, employers, and organizations.
Supported cultural awareness and delivered presentations on Indigenous issues, culture, and trauma impacts.
Applied knowledge of Indigenous culture and community protocols in workplace and community settings.
Supported recruitment, onboarding, employee concerns, conflict resolution, and workplace issues.
Worked in remote camp environments with diverse populations and supported culturally respectful workplaces.
Managed sensitive employee matters, investigations, performance issues, and confidential information.

HR Manager / Aboriginal Liaison - PTI/BMC Wapasu Creek Lodge - Fort McMurray, AB

(2010 - 2012)

Served as an Indigenous/Aboriginal liaison, building relationships among Indigenous community members, employees, employers, and organizations.
Supported cultural awareness and delivered presentations on Indigenous issues, culture, and trauma impacts.
Applied knowledge of Indigenous culture and community protocols in workplace and community settings.
Supported recruitment, onboarding, employee concerns, conflict resolution, and workplace issues.
Worked in remote camp environments with diverse populations and supported culturally respectful workplaces.
Managed sensitive employee matters, investigations, performance issues, and confidential information.

Career & Employment Counsellor - Métis Employment Services - Edmonton, AB

(2004 - 2006)

Provided counselling, advocacy, needs assessment, and individualized support to Indigenous and Métis clients.
Identified barriers and developed action plans addressing employment, education, and personal goals.
Connected clients with training, education, employers, and community resources.
Facilitated workshops and provided culturally sensitive, client-centred support.
Maintained confidential case-management documentation and collaborated with community organizations.

Career & Employment Counsellor - Oteenow Employment Services - Edmonton, AB

(2001 - 2002)

Provided counselling, advocacy, needs assessment, and individualized support to Indigenous and Métis clients.
Identified barriers and developed action plans addressing employment, education, and personal goals.
Connected clients with training, education, employers, and community resources.
Facilitated workshops and provided culturally sensitive, client-centred support.
Maintained confidential case-management documentation and collaborated with community organizations.

Career & Employment Counsellor - ACES 2000 - Edmonton, AB

(2000 - 2001)

Provided counselling, advocacy, needs assessment, and individualized support to Indigenous and Métis clients.
Identified barriers and developed action plans addressing employment, education, and personal goals.
Connected clients with training, education, employers, and community resources.
Facilitated workshops and provided culturally sensitive, client-centred support.
Maintained confidential case-management documentation and collaborated with community organizations.

Child Welfare Worker - Alberta Family & Social Services - High Prairie, AB

(1994 - 1996)

Worked with Indigenous children, families, and communities in complex and sensitive circumstances.
Conducted investigations, assessments, case management, court reporting, referrals, and family support.
Liaised among Indigenous families, communities, government officials, and service providers.
Applied critical thinking, sound judgment, confidentiality, and culturally respectful communication.

Client Support Experience - Pihtikwe Center - Alexander First Nation, AB

Supported individuals in a detoxification environment under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
Developed knowledge of detox services, client support, medication-related needs, and drug-testing procedures.
Worked within established procedures while maintaining confidentiality, professional boundaries, and respectful client care.