About First Wellness, an indigenous youth treatment centre with a holistic approach to healing.
ABOUT US

First Wellness is licensed as a Residential Addictions Treatment Service Provider under Alberta’s Mental Health Services Protection Act. The program operates under Alberta’s Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions which is responsible for Alberta’s recovery-oriented system of addiction and mental health care, focused on prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery.

The program is located in Red Deer, Alberta and welcomes Indigenous youth from Alberta and extra provincially when endorsed by their community.

Leigh Sheldon
The leadership and guidance of registered psychologist Leigh Sheldon founder of Indigenous Psychological Services and select team members is integrated throughout the program in design, support, structure and leadership.

Mrs. Sheldon is a Registered Psychologist from Swan River First Nation with experience as an instructor in Indigenous Psychology and Lifespan Development at the University of nuhelot’įne thaiyots’į nistameyimâkanak Blue Quills. In 2021, she founded Indigenous Psychological Services (IPS), which now includes a team of 30 practitioners across offices in Edmonton, Calgary, and Enoch Cree Nation. Since entering the mental health field in 2003, Mrs. Sheldon has been dedicated to supporting Indigenous families, particularly in northern communities. In Edmonton, she served as a clinical supervisor at Night Wind Treatment Center for six years, where she developed a treatment program that incorporated the Medicine Wheel for transformative change.

Mrs. Sheldon specializes in complex trauma and is certified as a Somatic Attachment Practitioner, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and EMDR Therapist. She is currently advancing her training in Indigenous-Focused Oriented Therapy. Her approach integrates Indigenous trauma-informed practices with a clinical framework, emphasizing the Medicine Wheel and cultural techniques. She is deeply involved in research on the impacts of colonization, historical trauma, systemic racism, and oppression. Mrs. Sheldon employs the Two-Eyed Seeing approach in her work, fostering a holistic perspective through experiential activities and land-based healing to underscore the significance of connection to land as a means of healing.

Leigh Sheldon is a registered psychologist

Kelly Hawreliak
Counsellor Kelly Hawreliak works directly with First Wellness clients and supports the clinical infrastructure and cultural processes. Kelly is passionate about implementing her counselling skills seamlessly integrating them with Indigenous cultural practices and wisdom.

Kelly Hawreliak is an Indigenous daughter, wife, mother, auntie, sister and member of the Bigstone Cree Nation. She also has ancestry from England and Germany on her late father’s side. She graduated with a Master of Counselling from City University of Seattle. With over 25 years in the human services field, she has devoted her career to supporting Indigenous peoples, including 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and other culturally diverse groups.

Kelly’s professional journey has been enriched through roles such as Cultural Connector, Circle Keeper and Supervisor of Practice as Ceremony-cultural support services. In these capacities, she has facilitated cultural workshops including Traditional Parenting programs and supported individuals in reclaiming and revitalizing their cultural heritage. Her experience encompasses working with children, youth, adults, and families, addressing issues such as intergenerational trauma, grief and loss, parenting, substance use, and various forms of abuse, including sexual and domestic violence.

Understanding the challenges people encounter when seeking support, Kelly is committed to fostering a nurturing and comfortable space for those she works with. Her approach is grounded in a holistic perspective, seamlessly integrating cultural wellness with clinical practice to guide clients on their path to healing and personal development. She feels deeply honoured to accompany her participants on their journeys, helping them achieve their goals and walk the Red Road.

Kelly Hawreliak is a Counsellor working directly with First Wellness.

Other team members are comprised of Allies including counsellors, overnight care providers and frontline support and administrative staff.

Red Road Sacred Journey

We honour the sacred journey of healing along the Red Road, a path deeply rooted in the holistic philosophy of many Indigenous peoples. Embracing this cultural wisdom, we provide a nurturing environment where Indigenous youth can embark on their personal journey towards wellness and wholeness. Through culturally relevant programming, compassionate care, and a commitment to holistic healing. We guide our youth along the sacred journey of the Red Road, supporting them as they reclaim their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Walking the Red Road means recognizing your equality with all living things and understanding that humanity does not confer superiority. It involves acknowledging that every creation - rivers, mountains, stones, trees, wind, and animals - hold its own wisdom and spirit, offering knowledge beyond human grasp. To walk the red Road is to embrace your rights: to pray, dance, think, protect, connect with Mother Earth, dream, learn, grieve, seek justice, and access the Spirit World.

It also means honouring your Ancestors and knowing you can call on them for guidance. This path encourages humility, and understanding that mistakes are part of the ongoing journey - the Sacred Hoop - and can be corrected. Without humility, you might not recognize your errors. Walking the Red Road teaches that every sorrow brings deeper understanding, and although not every challenge has an explanation, it can lead to growth. By walking this path, you seek beauty in all things and strive to live a good life.

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First Wellness, located in Red Deer, Alberta, is an indigenous youth treatment program created to empower young individuals to reclaim their narratives, celebrate their heritage, and forge a path towards holistic well-being.