Oki Niitaniko, Itsinikittak’aakii-Many Offerings Woman.  My English name is M. Candace Shade, B.H.Sc.  I am a proud member of the Kainai Nation.  I am married to my husband Charles Shade, together we have 4 beautiful children & 4 grandchildren who are all our greatest blessings.

I graduated in June of 2005 with my Bachelor of Health Science Degree Majoring in Additions Counseling from the University of Lethbridge.  I became employed with Blood Tribe Department of Health Inc.  Kainai Wellness Center as a Mental Health Worker for 10 years.  While employed with BTDH I received Certification in Trauma through Taking Flight International Corporation and is accredited with the Canadian Council of Professional Certification.  In addition to that I received Certification as a Grief & Loss Facilitator out of Edmonton, AB.

I am currently employed with Kainai Board of Education-Issoitapi Elementary School as a Family Support Liaison Counsellor.  Receiving a wide range of training such as: The Mental Tool Kit, Trauma, Grief & Loss, Stress & Self-Care, Suicide Awareness, Addictions & Pharmacology, Violence Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) Level 1 & 2, & Brain Story; These have educated me into utilizing a variety of skills, strengths & strategies to assist in helping people of all ages.  Through my own personal trials and tribulations, I have realized that personal/professional growth is 24/7.