RECONCILIATION
SPEAKERS BUREAU
EARL THIESSEN
A Member of Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation. Earl has been with Oxford House for 15 years, becoming Executive Director on July 1, 2019. He created multiple recovery housing models, including Pre-treatment Housing, Entry Level Housing, and the Peer Supported Indigenous Recovery Housing Model. A passionate advocate for recovery, homelessness, Indigenous healing, and the Peer Supported Recovery Model, Earl emphasizes the importance of cultural reconnection and healing through forgiveness. He holds leadership roles in various mental health and addiction initiatives and has received numerous awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal and the Recovery Systems Leader Award.
MY STORY
I have been with Oxford House for 15 years, holding various positions before becoming Executive Director on July 1, 2019. I created several recovery housing models, including Pre-treatment Housing, Entry Level Housing, and the Peer Supported Indigenous Recovery Housing Model. My journey from homelessness to Executive Director has fueled my strong advocacy for recovery, homelessness, the Peer Supported Recovery Housing Model, and Indigenous healing. I am a proud member of Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation.
​
As First Nations people, we need to recognize that we have suffered long enough. It's time to reclaim our culture and reconnect with who Creator meant us to be. Healing begins with forgiveness for those who have harmed us—not for them, but for us. We can begin our healing journey when we accept that this was not our fault. It’s time to care for those suffering emotionally from abuse—it's time to heal!
​
I am honoured to sit on several key groups, including the Calgary Mental Health and Addiction Leadership Group, the Provincial CSS Coordinated Community Response to Homelessness Task Force, the Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities, and the Public Security Indigenous Advisory Committee. I’ve been nominated and awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal by the Premier for my work in the mental health and addiction sector, as well as the Recovery Systems Leader Award from the Government of Alberta.