He nskʷést Nʔp̓ənkiyc̓é (My Nłeʔkepmx name is Nʔp̓ənkiyc̓é) and my English name is Loren Sahara. I have been spotted facilitating out in the wilds of the mountains, down by the powerful rivers, deep in board room discussions, post secondary classrooms and in the streets – Framing challenging experiences through Indigenous & Holistic worldview perspectives.
Although, as a helper, I’ve experienced a tremendous amount of formal and informal education, training and conditioning for more than 3 decades now, my most profound influences to date still come from my 5 children, currently ranging in age from 11 – 30, AND my wife of 16 years.
I garden, make music and also “find myself” wandering in the forest and alongside natural waterways.
My ancestry is Ukrainian and Nłeʔkepmxkn, Scw̓éxmxkn ncewa (I am from the Big River Canyon Nation, People of the Creeks – Nicola Valley), Lower Nicola Indian Band, whose traditional territory is located in the BC Interior Salish Plateau.
Presently in private practice, I have been a relational holistic helper/therapist/coach and educator for 30+ years, working together with front line workers, individuals, couples, families, communities and organizations learning and exploring the art and science of healing and wellness through modern and traditional teachings and ceremony. This responsibility comes as a natural outcome of healing my deeply troubled past as memories, my ongoing commitment today in every present healing moment and my vision and imagination of healing in the future. It’s possible that I am obsessed with learning and growing deeper and higher through the healing arts & sciences into full potential.
Along with my family as visitors, we live in the “Sungyaka” (snow patches) area, traditional Coast Salish Songhees territory. An early village site used in the winter for fishing and traditionally occupied by both the Chekonein and the Chilcowith families. Vancouver Island, BC Canada.