Ernest W Matton, (Athehsa Niohkwá:rita:a) (Elder Little Brown Bear) – Is a highly respected Métis Elder, and spiritual ambassador who blends traditional teachings with mainstream information to provide holistic healing approaches for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community members and professional disciplines.
He is both a sought-after seminar speaker and effective group facilitator an expert in the areas of Trauma/Addictions/Mental Wellbeing (Health), grief, suicide, conflict resolution, forgiveness, mediation, anger release, and Building Healthy Relationships.
He shares this expertise as a proud member of the Toronto East Health Network family. There, he is the, Director of Aboriginal Education, Programs, Culture and the Elder for the Accredited Leading Practice Aboriginal Healing Program at Michael Garron Hospital Toronto East Health Network, Co-Director/Co-Producer of Healing the Nation documentary, and Conductor of the Bear’s Den All Nations Traditional Medicine Sweat Lodge.
He inspires bridging culture and professional disciplines in today’s hectic world, to assist people in finding what works. Drawing from his academic background, vast work and personal life experiences, he focuses on what works to bring balance and inspiration to everyday life and makes wellness practices and spirituality simple. He says that “being Aboriginal is not a life style it is a way of life".
He is a graduate of CANADORE COLLEGE and BROCK UNIVERSITY. He is a member in good standing with the (CACCF) Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation and (OAMHP) Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals.
He wears the YELLOW SASH with pride in Honouring those missing and murderer Aboriginal Women and girls. He speaks to the commitment to breaking the cycle of violence and abuse. Elder Little Brown Bear’s guiding philosophy is simple: “People don't care how much you know, they want to know how much you care”.
He has been recognized for the following;
• Brock Alumni Achievement Award for Service beyond the classroom to make a real difference in the lives of those you work with.
• Inducted into the Order of Ontario by Ontario's Lieutenant Governor The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell.
• Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers in recognition of his contributions to Outstanding Indigenous Leadership by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada
• Received the very prestigious Barb Robinson Indigenous Award of Excellence from the Canadian Addictions Counsellors Certification Federation
• David Crombie 2018 Urban Leadership Award.
• Premier's Awards for College Graduates.
• Colleges Ontario – As a Premier’s Awards recipient, he was awarded a $5,000 bursary from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities that will be donated to the college from which he graduated.
• Canadore College – 2018 Alumni Hall of Fame inductee.
• He has been Honoured with the Human Spirit Award by the Canadian College of Health Leaders
• The recipient of the Mino Bimaadiziwin Award (Indigenous Award), one of the City of Toronto's Access, Equity and Human Rights (AEHR) Awards.