Darcy Boulanger is Anishinaabe / Ojibwe and a proud member of Little Black River Reserve Southeast Manitoba, he is a graduate of Brock University and has his Bachelor of Education in Aboriginal Adult Education. Approximately13 years ago, Darcy was homeless, struggled with addictions and was an irregular resident at the Southridge shelter.Southridge's programs and leadership opportunities helped Darcy find a new purpose in life.As a result, he has become a strong mentor, leader and teacher for several programs at the shelter and got inspired to pursue his high school equivalency followed by a bachelorsdegree from Brock University. Through his work at the Native Centre in NOTL as a Board Member and later as a Vice President, Darcy participated in developing several programs to assist disadvantaged indigenous youth, and single mothers and their children facing housing and education challenges. Darcy played a significant role in helping to organize the annual Celebration of Nations at the Performing Arts Centre.He was also a key player, after 30 years, in bringing the annual NCC Pow Wow to Montebello Park.Darcy volunteered his time to work with City of St. Catharines on experiential learning through the Mayor’s Compassionate City initiative.He is now focused on building an Indigenous Men’s Healing Centre for men battling trauma, substance abuse and mental health issues with indigenous cultural awareness as the basis on which individuals to rebuild their lives.In 2017, Darcy received the Aboriginal Achievement Award from the Student Success Centre and Aboriginal Student Services at the Brock University.Darcy is one with a modest personality, a key to his success.He is a true leader, assisting and educating many about indigenous culture while overcoming his own challenges