Grounded in culture.
Guided by knowledge.
Focused on healing.

We envision a future where Indigenous people in the NWT are strong in mind, body, spirit and emotion; are connected to their culture; and live in resilient, supportive, and healthy communities.

Guided by the values of respect, cultural strength and community wellbeing, we work toward a future where Indigenous people can heal in the North, connected to their land, community and culture.

OUR MISSION

Endacho Healing Society is working to create the first Indigenous-led Trauma Healing Lodge in the Northwest Territories.

The Lodge will support people living with trauma linked to residential schools and other forms of colonial harm. The Lodge will be a safe and culturally grounded space for trauma healing that brings together Indigenous culture and Western therapeutic approaches.

Guided by Indigenous Elders, endorsed by Indigenous governments and supported by federal and territorial governments, Endacho Healing Society is working to bring culturally-relevant healing to the NWT.

Learn About the Lodge

The Need for Healing

OUR PATH

The dream of creating a Trauma Healing Lodge began in 2022, with Roy and Jean Erasmus, both certified counsellors.

With support and encouragement from those who shared their vision of healthier people and communities free from trauma, they formed Endacho Healing Society.

Roy and Jean listened closely to Indigenous Elders, regional Indigenous governments, and community leaders across the North. Again and again, they heard the same message: there is a deep and urgent need for culturally safe, trauma-informed healing guided by Indigenous knowledge.

With support from Indigenous Services Canada, EHS completed a feasibility study and business plan in 2024, setting out a clear path to build and operate the Lodge.

Since then, Endacho Healing Society has continued to work alongside Indigenous, territorial, and federal partners—strengthening relationships, refining plans, and preparing for Lodge construction and operations. Each step brings us closer to a place of healing in the North, for the North, grounded in culture, community, and care.

Follow Us On Our Journey

Our Board

Endacho Healing Society’s Board is made up of Indigenous leaders from four cultural regions of the Northwest Territories. Grounded in community and guided by lived experience, the Board brings strong leadership, cultural knowledge, and a shared commitment to ensuring the work is responsive, respectful, and rooted in healing.

Roy Erasmus Jr.

CHAIR
Roy Erasmus Sr. is a Dene Elder, counsellor, and life coach with over 30 years of experience supporting Indigenous peoples and strengthening community wellness. With an MBA and deep leadership experience, he brings both strategic insight and compassion to his role. As a co-founder of the Northern Indigenous Counselling Program and someone with lived experience in recovery, Roy leads with authenticity, guiding others on meaningful healing journeys.
Jean Erasmus

CO-CHAIR
Jean Erasmus is Dene and Cree from Fort Chipewyan and a third-generation residential school survivor. A Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling and experienced counsellor, she has supported Indigenous peoples for over 30 years. As co-founder of the Northern Indigenous Counselling Program, Jean combines cultural knowledge, clinical expertise, and lived experience to ensure trauma healing is safe, effective, and grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing.
Darrell Beaulieu

DIRECTOR
Darrell Beaulieu is a respected Dene leader and President and CEO of Denendeh Investments Inc., representing 27 Dene First Nations. With extensive executive and board experience, he brings deep expertise in Indigenous economic development and governance. A former Chief of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, Darrell offers strong leadership and a commitment to building sustainable, community-driven initiatives across the North.
Ethel Blondin Andrew

DIRECTOR
Ethel Blondin Andrew, a Shúhtaot’ine (Mountain Dene) from Tulit’a, is a pioneering leader in northern and Indigenous governance. She was the first Indigenous woman elected to Parliament and served in senior federal roles focused on youth and northern development. With decades of leadership, including as Chair of the Sahtu Secretariat Incorporated, Ethel brings wisdom, experience, and a lifelong commitment to advancing Indigenous communities.
Melissa Lennie

DIRECTOR
Melissa Lennie, proudly Inuvialuit, brings a unique blend of leadership and clinical expertise. After more than 20 years in government and management roles, she became a Registered Professional Counsellor and member of the first graduating class of the Northern Indigenous Counselling Program. As an approved provider with Indigenous Services Canada, Melissa contributes both professional skill and lived understanding to trauma-informed, culturally grounded care.

Our Team

Roy Erasmus Jr.

CEO
Roy Erasmus Jr. brings extensive leadership experience across Indigenous organizations, business, and government. Born and raised in Yellowknife, he has led major northern organizations, including the Gwich’in Development Corporation and Det’on Cho Corporation. His experience with the GNWT provides valuable insight into government systems. Roy’s strong understanding of northern economies and communities positions him to lead the development of a sustainable, impactful healing lodge.
Leanne Tait

PROJECT MANAGER
Leanne Tait is a business and communications professional with more than 30 years supporting northern organizations. Known for her practical, results-focused approach, she understands how to move complex projects forward. Having worked with Endacho Healing Society since its earliest stages, Leanne plays a central role in coordinating efforts, managing partnerships, and ensuring steady progress toward establishing the trauma healing lodge.
Hayley Tait

PROJECT COORDINATOR
Hayley Tait, born and raised in Yellowknife, holds a Master of Public Health focused in Indigenous health. She brings both academic training and hands-on experience, including work as a Policy Advisor with the GNWT and a practicum with Endacho Healing Society. Hayley supports coordination and research efforts, contributing thoughtful, community-informed perspectives to advance trauma healing in the North.