Brenda Reynolds

Brenda Reynolds, whose Indigenous heritage is Anishinaabe from Fishing Lake First Nation, Saskatchewan, has a Bachelor of Indian Social Work and a Masters in Counselling Psychology. Her early experience as a social worker, working with students at Gordon’s Indian Residential school, led to the first litigated case of sexual abuse involving an Indian Residential School staff member in Saskatchewan and in Canada. The Gordon’s experience was the beginning of a valued career working with Indian residential school survivors and the impacts of Indian Residential Schools.

Brenda was the lead Alberta Regional Coordinator for the Indian Residential School Resolution Health Support program and the health support coordinator for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Health Canada, Ottawa. She developed the initial program for Health Support Workers who provided support to former Indian Residential School survivors, their families and Canadians. Brenda provided seven years of program training and management to the Health Support workers.

Brenda was awarded the 1992 Social Worker of the Year in Alberta by the Alberta Foster Parent Association. The award recognized Brenda’s commitment to the child from a professional and community practice perspective.

Brenda has a private practice providing professional development training on Indian Residential School trauma informed practice and the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. Brenda has conducted workshops and provided keynotes for conferences and has had numerous speaking and training engagements. Brenda’s enjoys running and being physically active.  She is an avid long-distance runner, having successfully completed 24 marathons, including the Boston Marathon.