Don Ferren

Don was born in Nogogiwanong - Peterborough on the traditional territory of the Michi Saagig Nishnaabeg. His growing up was one mediated by Catholicism, Irish and English working class and the effects of alcoholism and family rupture. His father began working at Outboard Marine at age 14. He died early and violently. Don worked at Outboard as well in his early twenties. He lived in Saskatchewan for a number of years and was involved in solidarity and union work and travels to Central America and South Africa. Don eventually found his way back to Nogogiwanong -Peterborough, working as a psychologist and finding home in relationship with a Haudenosaunee man. This all overlapped with finding meditation and the Buddhist path. Don is one of a number of early members of the Buddhist Place who have stayed for 25 years.

Heather Henry

Heather is an Anishaabekwe from Wabaseemoong First Nation located north of Wazhashk-Onigamiing also known as Kenora in Northwestern Ontario. Heather is a single mother of a daughter, a counsellor of women fleeing male violence and an artist. She graduated from the Nova Scotia College of Art in Halifax with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. A piece of her art was installed at the Peterborough Library in commemoration of Red Dress Day this year. A priority for her is the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and the Red Dress movement. Heather grew up traditionally with her grandparents and her first language being Anishinaabemowin.  She says that she has been drawn to meditation for as long as she can remember and towards finding peace and calm. Heather has been involved with the Buddhist Place for the past year after relocating to Peterborough from Calgary.