Indigenous motivational trainer, Ryan Bugler creates empowering workshops Our Nation” helps Indigenous communities to achieve dreams COMMUNITY

Written By : Jordan LaPlante

Ryan Bugler left counselling to pursue his new role as a freelance consultant. His dream was to one day travel North America and provide counselling services and workshops to Indigenous professionals, organizations, and communities.

With new jobs and new career paths, the dream of being able to help people and train others started felt like it was slowly slipping away, according to Bugler. He soon found himself working for organizations offering much value, but deep down, Bugler knew that he could help more people, only if he just offered his value and knowledge on a broader scale.

“This has always been a goal of mine,” Bugler tells Indigenous Times adding he knew he had found purpose early on in life. Bugler says in his younger years, he grew up facing many traumatic life experiences, which he shares in his workshops. He shares stories of attending day school and residential school. Bugler ex - plains that he grew up on the Red Pheasant Cree Nation in a broken home and without a father.

Bugler says he was raised primarily by his mother. “I’ve experienced racism too many times to count,” he says. “I’ve gone through alcoholism and depression.” Bugler admits he was in and out of the justice system from the ages of 13 to 19 years.

“True happiness comes when you are living your purpose,” Bugler emphasizes. “Although I enjoyed my job counselling for organizations, it was limited to who I could help. I knew there had to be a way to realign my current path with my purpose.”

Bugler shifted gears and got to work combining his knowledge as a counsellor along with some organizational skills. He created and integrated workshops geared toward helping Indigenous professionals and youth. Bugler’s desire was to reveal their potential and help set their sights on goals and show them tools to use that will help them achieve their dreams.

Bugler came up with his signature workshop, Strengthening Our Nation. The workshops guide participants with training, youth identity and empowerment. Training workshops are three days, focused on a variety of information to help other professionals deliver programing to their organizations and communities.

Bugler’s experience and research into the programming offered aims to help others. The group sessions also shed light on Indigenous history. Teaching tools are emphasized, and participants are taught how to create their own programming and method of facilitation. A wholistic wellness approach is always evident according to Bugler.

Bugler says not being able to speak your language is a form of intergenerational trauma which has led to a loss of identity. He says this topic, among others is also covered in the youth workshops.

“Anyone who has taken this training will attest to the fact that the name Strengthening Our Nation does exactly that,” Bugler says.

Bugler’s aim is to help working professionals and young people break free from the cycle of dependency that has plagued them as a result of inter generational trauma. The workshops have also aided in gaining self confidence and a broader understanding of current circumstances.

“Our people have suffered for far too long it is now time to invest in our healing and education. By strengthening ourselves we are Strengthening Our Nation.”