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Tim O'Loan is a Sahtu Dene from the Northwest Territories (NWT). He is a proud veteran having served 10 years (1983-1993) in the Canadian military before starting his undergraduate degree in Political Science and his professional career. From 1998-2006, Tim was a Land Claims and Self Government Negotiator for the Government of the NWT. He then moved to Ottawa and in 2008, he obtained his Masters of Arts degree in Canadian Studies at Carleton University. In 2010, Tim was asked to join the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) as the Advisor to the TRC Chair, the Honourable Murray Sinclair. While Tim was with the TRC and since, he made numerous presentations on Reconciliation to all three layers of government, the private sector and educational institutions across Canada.  After his time with the TRC, and as a result of his unique journey, one of childhood trauma, his trauma from his military service and his 4 yrs immersed in the most emotionally charged Commission in Canadian history. Tim, coming from “two wounded communities” had to deal with his own mental health demons. In emerging out of, what Tim expresses, as the “valley of darkness”. Using his authentic voice, he now shares his wisdom in a very unique and humane way. It is a  presentation meant to educate, enlighten and inspire greater understanding of Indigenous issues. Mental Health and Reconciliation.