Our Team
MELVINA
Melvina Guiboche's story is a powerful testament to resilience and strength in the face of adversity. Born in The Pas, Manitoba, she faced significant challenges from a young age. Relocating to Winnipeg with her mother, Brenda Faye Ballantyne, marked the start of a tumultuous journey, separating her from her familial roots and the comfort of her community, and thrusting her into a new world fraught with challenges and harsh realities.
Growing up in the core and inner-city areas of Winnipeg, Melvina's childhood was clouded by loneliness and hardship. The trauma, abuse, and neglect she faced pushed her to seek love and belonging in unsafe places. The streets offered a false sense of refuge but ultimately became a prison, pulling her into the dangers of gang culture and violence—a pursuit for safety that resulted in even more pain and peril.
The loss of her mother at seventeen was a pivotal turning point in Melvina's life. This profound grief enveloped her, birthing a deep sense of shame and unworthiness that haunted her for years. As she assumed the responsibility of caring for her younger brother, she battled her own sorrow while trying to provide him support. The dual burden of grief and responsibility made her already complex quest for identity even more challenging.
Melvina's journey into motherhood at twenty brought a ray of hope—a son who became "something worth living for." Despite the painful backdrop of her life, his birth represented a significant shift, illuminating a path toward purpose and healing. Yet, the shadows of poverty, inadequate education, and systemic barriers loomed large, presenting formidable obstacles.
Her ongoing search for acceptance and love often led her into toxic relationships, entwining her in struggles with addiction and depression. For more than a decade, Melvina fought against the demons of her past, grappling with suicidal thoughts and feelings of worthlessness. A haunting moment came at age 30 when she attempted suicide. Yet, in the midst of that desperate moment, something miraculous happened—her daughter, just 9 months old, woke up and smiled at her from her crib. That innocent smile ignited a powerful realization: the fear of leaving her motherless gripped Melvina's heart.
In that moment of vulnerability, she turned to Jesus, pleading for guidance, asking Him to show her how to love herself so that she could love her children and, in turn, extend that love to others. This heartfelt plea sparked a glimmer of hope within her—a desire to embrace life for the sake of her daughter and to break free from the chains of her past.
Since that pivotal night, life has truly transformed for Melvina. As she embarked on her healing journey, she found a loving partner who embraced not only her but also her six children. After marrying in 2015, she took a bold step toward her future by enrolling in college, where she graduated as valedictorian in 2017. Confronting her fears of higher education, Melvina realized that she was capable of even more, leading her to the University of Winnipeg, where she studied Conflict Resolution with a minor in Inner City Studies.
During her time at university, Melvina continued to deepen her healing journey, which ultimately led her to a position as a community minister in the inner city of Winnipeg, where she primarily served First Nations youth and their families. Fueled by her passion for making a difference, Melvina started a young mothers' group, creating meaningful and lasting connections with other young Indigenous mothers. She became a shining example of what is possible with faith and determination, inspiring her community along the way.
After serving in this role for several years, Melvina felt empowered to create something that drew upon her own personal life experiences, healing journey, education, and wisdom. In 2022, she co-founded Resilient Healing, a faith-based initiative that showcases resilience and compassion for First Nations Peoples. Melvina describes this work as one of her greatest honors, as it allows her to share the transformative power of healing and the profound changes that can occur in our lives when we "root up, pull down, destroy, throw away, so we can build and plant good things."
Through her decision to begin her healing journey, Melvina not only transformed her own life but also positively impacted the lives of her children in ways she never expected. Together, they are healing and thriving, embracing a brighter future filled with love, resilience, and hope. Her journey serves as a resonant reminder of the vital need for community, support, and understanding in the healing process, highlighting the importance of compassion and resources for those navigating the treacherous waters of trauma and despair. By sharing her experiences, Melvina can profoundly inspire others who find themselves on similar paths. Her story shines as a beacon of hope, illustrating that healing is indeed possible, even after the most harrowing trials. By owning her narrative, Melvina not only reclaims her identity and rightful place in the world but also emerges as a powerful voice for change, empowering others to break free from the cycle of trauma and embrace a brighter future.
Dakotah
Dakotah’s journey is nothing short of remarkable, showcasing resilience, courage, and a determined spirit. As a First Nation man treaty from Hollow Water, situated within the sacred Treaty 5 territory in Manitoba, Canada, his roots are entwined with faith and belief in God. While he was raised in the vibrant city of Winnipeg, his early life was framed by challenges that shaped him into the inspiring figure he is today. Growing up in a family navigating difficult circumstances, including an absent father, Dakotah witnessed his mother’s determination to create a better life for them both.
Through it all, he was blessed with the steadfast love and support of his grandparents, whose faith and guidance became the cornerstone of his strength. In the early 1990s, Dakotah's grandparents took a pivotal step in their community by founding the first First Nation Pentecostal church in Winnipeg’s inner city. This church was not just a place of worship; it became a sanctuary—a beacon of hope and transformation that provided a nurturing environment for Dakotah and his mother. Through the power of faith and community, they found renewed strength and purpose, forging a path toward a brighter future.
During this transformative period, Dakotah’s mother met his stepfather, a figure of stability who would support them through life’s trials. Yet, as Dakotah traversed his childhood, he often felt the weight of being the ‘step’ son, yearning for the same unconditional love he observed flowing more readily toward his younger siblings. As Dakotah entered his teenage years, he faced the challenges of adolescence with a heart full of hopes and dreams, yet found himself grappling with social pressures and a longing for acceptance.
Amidst the distractions and troubles of young adulthood, he began to lose sight of his academic potential and drive. High school became an uphill battle, as grades slipped and the urgency of life’s responsibilities crept in. At just sixteen, he assumed adult responsibilities, taking on employment to support himself and pay rent, which led him down a path of rapid, fraudulent, maturity that would negatively affect his lifestyle of choices. The allure of substances soon pulled him into a dark world of escapism, eventually leading him straight into the Canadian justice system and resulting in six incarcerations.
Ironically, amidst the chaos, Dakotah discovered a bittersweet victory in the form of his high school graduation—a moment he learned of while behind bars in 2010. However, it was not defeat that defined Dakotah; rather, it was the spark of hope that ignited within him during his time of struggle. The years that followed were a testament to his unwavering determination as he battled personal demons and sought a better life for himself. Drawing on the teachings of his beloved grandparents, he turned to prayer, seeking guidance and clarity with a heartfelt plea: to find a partner who shared his passion for faith and family—a woman who would help him build the life he longed for. His prayers were beautifully answered when he met Melvina.
Their union blossomed into a profound partnership, rooted in love, faith, and mutual support. With Melvina and their children by his side, Dakotah found the motivation to pursue new aspirations and dreams. He set out to follow Christ, pursued certification as a welder, obtained his class 5 driver’s license, and, most importantly, embraced sobriety. His remarkable resilience culminated in the proud achievement of a Bachelor of Arts degree in conflict resolution from the University of Winnipeg. Today, Dakotah stands not only as a survivor of his circumstances but as a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless others. His incredible life experience has become a powerful narrative he passionately shares to uplift his community.
With an unwavering desire to give back, he co-founded Resilient Healing, a platform that empowers individuals by sharing their stories of struggle and resilience. Through this initiative, Dakotah has had the privilege of connecting with First Nation Peoples and community members, guiding them on their own healing journeys with compassion and wisdom.
