Master George J. Lépine

George Lepine started Martial Arts at the age of 13 and learned traditional hunting and tracking practices at a very young age. He holds a Brown Belt in Japanese Judo under Master Oye, a 6th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon-Do under Grandmaster K.S. Cho, and a 6th Degree Black Belt in Hap Ki-Do, under Grandmaster Inn Suk Pak. He has also been presented with a Master Black Belt in Tae Keuk-Do under Grandmaster Hyung Lee. He established this Canadian Aboriginal Martial Art system through historical research and practical experiences as well as securing and maintaining cultural significance. This martial art system is based on Plains-Cree and Assinaboine combat principles and methods. We should note that this Art has been gaining much momentum and success for our Aboriginal community. Historically, George’s Grandfather was Ambroise Lepine who was Louis Riel’s Adjutant-General for the Métis Provisional Government during their struggles in the late 1870’s and 1880’s. The political strategies adopted by the Métis Government had roots stemming from the politics of the buffalo hunt, which was overseen by Ambroise Lepine. In charge of the military action, Ambroise facilitated every movement of the Métis. Since Ambroise and Riel worked together extensively, the Métis Government cast him as a main player. Master George Lepine, his father and relatives have continued their involvement throughout the Aboriginal movement through aboriginal awareness, politics, justice, arts and culture of our people. Master Lepine has served as the President for the Toronto Métis Council, Regional Councilor for the Métis Nation of Ontario, National Delegate for the Aboriginal Languages Initiative, President for the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, Executive for the Ontario Aboriginal Sports Circle and the Vice President for the North American Indigenous Games International Council. He is energetic and very active in all aspects of the Aboriginal Community throughout Canada educating people through his experiences and culture.

Elder Vern Harper

Vern Harper is a Cree spiritual Elder and Medicine Man who currently resides in Toronto. The “Urban Elder” as he has been called, is a fifth generation grandson of Mistawasis, “Big Child” - a hereditary Chief - and the sixth generation grandson of Big Bear, who fought the last battle between the Cree and the Canadian government in 1885. His Cree name, Asin, means Stone. Among his many diverse roles, Vern Harper is one of only a few Elders in Canada with Chaplain status. He’s worked with Correctional Service Canada, conducting Native spiritual services at federal prisons helping inmates to rehabilitate themselves through teachings, counselling and traditional ceremonies. He also counsels Native young offenders and their families on behalf of Aboriginal Legal Services of Toronto, where he works as a Native Youth Courtworker. A traditional oral storyteller, Vern Harper’s messages are simple, timely and universal.