Episode X:
Beyond systems: A Conversation on Indigenous Strength and Healing

In this episode of Exception Seekers, Shane reflects on his personal and professional journey as an Indigenous leader, rooted in both lived experience and cultural teachings. From the loss of his brother to his time as Chief, Shane’s path has been guided by a deep commitment to healing and service. He contrasts Western clinical models with culturally grounded approaches like Feather Carriers, which emphasize community responsibility, ceremony, and Indigenous knowledge systems. For Shane, leadership is not about power or ego, but about humility, authenticity, and staying true to traditional values.

A central theme throughout our conversation is the importance of uplifting youth—not just in words, but through real opportunities for leadership and voice. Shane emphasizes that young people bring unique and valuable perspectives that must be acknowledged and supported. He draws hope from his culture, daily spiritual practices, and the strength of his community, envisioning a future where youth are genuinely held up and where healing is achieved through reconnection with identity, land, and ceremony.

Important Messages

Indigenous wisdom offers a powerful path to healing: Community-based, relational, and spiritual approaches—like those of Feather Carriers—resonate more deeply for many Indigenous people than Western clinical systems alone.

Youth deserve more than lip service: True youth empowerment goes beyond words. It involves giving space for leadership, listening to their lived realities, and ensuring they see themselves reflected in the community’s direction.

Grief can be a catalyst for transformation: Shane’s story illustrates how personal loss—especially the tragic death of a loved one—can shape a life's mission. His brother’s passing became a source of drive and purpose in suicide prevention and mental health advocacy.

Humility is strength: Leadership doesn’t require self-promotion. Shane demonstrates how actions, humility, authenticity, and relationality are at the heart of Indigenous leadership.

Cultural reconnection is a source of hope: Shane grounds his hope in ceremony, ancestral teachings, and daily practices, which help him stay centered through the challenges of community work and personal healing.

Resources Mentioned

• Feather Carriers

• ASIST Training

Chief Shane Tabobondung (MSW RSW)

My name is Shane Tabobondung, I am of Ojibwa and Pottawatomi ancestry from Wasauksing First Nation. I am currently ogimaa of Wasauksing First Nation. 

I am the former Director of Child Welfare, Community Healing, Youth Programming, Home Supports, Social Welfare, and Restorative Justice, and administered the development of our community’s newly funded Family Shelter whose mandate is address the needs to reduce family violence in our region. 

I have extensive work experience in Mental Health and Addictions with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and was in a leadership role of a program that included elements of self-determination from the 9 communities in this territory.  This unique program, B’saanibamaadsiswin provided services in crisis intervention, assessment, psychotherapy, and community development with the diverse Indigenous populations and cultures of the Muskoka/Parry Sound district and along the coast of Georgian Bay.  I hold a Master’s Degree in the Indigenous field of Social Work studies from Wilfrid Laurier University.