Fireweed Healing Society
We are an Indigenous-led non-profit dedicated to advancing education through arts, culture, and land-based learning. Rooted in Lekwungen territories, we create accessible workshops and programs that uplift Indigenous knowledge, strengthen cultural connections, and support future generations of learners.
About Us
Fireweed Healing Society is a registered non-profit society committed to the advancement of education and cultural learning. Through workshops, community programs, and mentorship opportunities, we share Indigenous knowledge systems in ways that are inclusive, respectful, and accessible to all.
Our work supports
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Indigenous youth to learn traditional and contemporary practices.
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2SLGBTQIA+ and women artists to lead as educators and mentors.
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Community members to participate in hands-on learning experiences that strengthen understanding of Indigenous cultures.
We are guided by Indigenous teachings of reciprocity, relationship, and respect.
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Our Mission
Our mission is to advance education through Indigenous-led workshops and cultural programs, fostering creativity, cultural revitalization, and lifelong learning.
Programs & Workshops
Arts & Cultural Workshops
Hands-on learning in areas such as drum-making, beading, printmaking, regalia creation, and visual arts—taught by Indigenous artists and knowledge keepers.
Land-Based Learning
Workshops that connect participants with land, language, and traditional teachings, such as plant identification, medicine walks, hide tanning, and food sovereignty education.
Storytelling & Knowledge Sharing
Educational gatherings where Elders, artists, and youth share stories, songs, and oral histories that strengthen cultural literacy and community well-being.
Youth Mentorship & Leadership
Programs designed to nurture the next generation of Indigenous leaders by providing safe and supportive spaces for skill-building, confidence, and cultural connection.
Why It Matters
Sharing Knowledge Through Workshops
Our workshops are guided by Indigenous artists, knowledge keepers, and teachers who carry teachings in a way that honours both tradition and creativity. Each gathering is rooted in story, hands-on learning, and the relationships that grow when we make and learn together.
For the Whole Community
Everyone is welcome. We prioritize space for Indigenous youth, 2SLGBTQIA+ community members, and women, and we work to keep our programs accessible through free and low-cost opportunities. We believe learning should never be limited by income or background.
Growing Generations of Teachers
The knowledge we share does not end in the classroom or workshop—it travels home with participants, back to their families and communities. By uplifting Indigenous educators and mentors, we help ensure that teachings continue to ripple outward for generations to come.
Board of Directors
Alysha Brown — President
Alysha Brown is Swampy Cree from the Grand Rapids (Misipawistik) Nation in Northern Manitoba on her mom's side and English on her dad's side. She has been a grateful visitor on Lekwungen territory for the last 20 years. As a proud aunty, niece, daughter and sister, family is very important to her. She has many years of experience in the social work field and believes that cultural and creative practice is connected to wellness for Indigenous social workers, and that connection to culture can profoundly impact practice.
səwəyəlwet Diane Sam — Vice-President
səwəyəlwet is a Songhees Nation community member. She has devoted much of time to working in the Education field as a First Nations Education Assistant. More recently Diane has been an avid lək̓ʷəŋiʔnəŋ learner (her ancestral language) and is very eager to keep learning more. She is the former team leader of the Songhees Cultural Centre and feels that working at the Centre sparked a light into digging into the culture and language of her homelands. She is passionate about sharing information about Lekwungen land and history when the opportunity arises.
Jenny Farkas — Secretary/Treasurer
Jenny Farkas is a community development leader and social entrepreneur with experience in non-profit leadership, partnership development, fundraising, communications, and program design. Of European ancestry and a grateful guest on the traditional territories of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples, Jenny is committed to continually learning how to be a good visitor and to building relationships grounded in reciprocity, respect, and accountability. She is the founder and Executive Director of MakeSpace for Art Society, where she works to expand access to creative learning, shared resources, and economic participation opportunities.
Contact Us
For inquiries, donations, or volunteer opportunities, please reach out to us.