RECONCILIATION
SPEAKERS BUREAU
JOHN LANGAN
A Saulteaux/Cree storyteller, author, and professional speaker who embodies the intersection of traditional Indigenous knowledge and contemporary public service. A proud member of Keeseekoose First Nation, John’s life is defined by three distinct identities: a soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces, a police officer, and a Traditional Knowledge and Language Keeper.
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John has delivered his powerful message of resilience and reconciliation to audiences in 21 different countries, bringing a global perspective to the local necessity of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. His expertise is sought after by major national institutions and corporations, including STAPLES Canada, the Department of National Defence, Corrections Canada, and the Canadian Light Source.
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Drawing from his acclaimed memoir, Iskocēs Tipiskak: A Spark in the Dark, John provides organizations with a roadmap for overcoming intergenerational trauma and building resilient leadership. His presentations are more than just stories; they are a call to understand the beauty of Indigenous ceremony and the strength found in cultural reclamation. Whether addressing international summits or federal departments, John facilitates the "hard conversations" necessary for genuine reconciliation with a focus on perseverance, discipline, and the power of identity.
MY STORY
For John Langan, the path to reconciliation is not a theoretical concept—it is a lived journey of transforming darkness into a spark of light. Born into the complex legacy of intergenerational residential school trauma, John’s early life was marked by the systemic obstacles that many Indigenous youth face. However, his story is not defined by those challenges, but by the relentless perseverance he used to overcome them.
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John’s journey—chronicled in his award-winning book IskocÄ“s Tipiskak: A Spark in the Dark—is a testament to the power of cultural reclamation. He realized early on that to lead others, he first had to find his own way back to the land, the language, and the ceremonies of his ancestors. This spiritual grounding became the foundation for a remarkable career in public service that spans the military and law enforcement.
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As a soldier, John learned the discipline and global perspective required to serve on the international stage, speaking to over 21 different countries. As a police officer, he has stood on the front lines of community safety, navigating the tensions between colonial systems and Indigenous sovereignty. These roles, combined with his status as a Traditional Knowledge Keeper, allow John to speak with a unique authority. He understands the mechanics of the "system" from the inside, while remaining firmly rooted in the Cree and Saulteaux traditions that the system once sought to erase.
When John speaks to event organizers and corporate leaders, he shares a message of "Reconcili-action." He moves beyond the "what" of history to the "how" of the future. He demonstrates how culture and hard work can turn a challenging past into a role model’s future. His story resonates deeply with those looking to build resilient organizations because it is built on the truth of his own survival and success.
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John’s mission is simple but profound: to share the beauty of Indigenous culture and ceremony as a tool for healing and leadership. By weaving together his experiences in the Canadian Armed Forces, the justice system, and his traditional community, he offers a bridge for all Canadians to walk across. He doesn't just speak about reconciliation; he invites his audience to witness a life that proves it is possible. John remains driven by his roles as a husband and father, ensuring that the spark he found in the dark becomes a guiding light for the next seven generations.