Breaking the Trail

Breaking the Trail is an all female group co-founded by Janice Randhile and Natashia Cardinal.
It is with their commitment and vision for positive change and growth for all communities that lead them to cast such class of diverse, talented and dedicated women.

By recruiting energetic, devoted, inspirational and captivating facilitators and performers,
it is with hope that Breaking the Trail will bring and leave esteem, confidence and ambition for all who participate.

In addition, these aspiring women these aspiring women actively participate in their Aboriginal communities and their passion lies families, friends and being active role models for women of all nations.

Janice Randhile a.k.a. JC Divine~
Co-founder/Workshop Facilitator/Traditional and R&B Singer

Janice is Plains Cree from the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation in Alberta. Janice dedicates her time to the youth and helping them to strive for their own personal excellence. She is committed to the healing of the people and our future generations. Janice has had the honor and pleasure of facilitating various workshops for the youth focusing on Growth, Empowerment and Leadership for self. It is her belief that for our future generation of leaders it is important and vital that they are given the chance to strive for their own personal excellence with the support and guidance through positive role modeling and direction. Along with her commitment to her people, Janice enjoys singing and backs up Natashia Cardinal ~ Lady Eloquence, Canada’s Premiere Female Emcee. She is also one of three Original Members of a Traditional Rattle and Drum group known as Spirit Woman Singers. Performing in such high profile events as Esquao Awards, Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards, Canadian Aboriginal Music Festival, Dreamcatchers Youth Conference. Janice is a mother to a beautiful little boy, Powwow dancer, facilitator, member of the Free Spirit Theatre Troupe and an active member in the Edmonton Aboriginal Community. Janice has facilitated workshops for the youth at Dreamcatcher’s Youth Conference, Spirit of our Youth Homes, Sun & Moon Visionaries, Boys & Girls Clubs of Edmonton, Big brothers/Big Sisters of Edmonton, Inner City Youth Housing and many more. Janice chooses to live an abstinent lifestyle and enjoys being a positive role model and influence for the youth and women within her community. Singing is definitely a tool for spiritual and emotional healing and something that she has great passion doing. Janice loves her Aboriginal culture and roots from which she comes from. She also believes that within our ways our laughter keeps us real and in our humility. Trials and tribulations Janice has had her share, but from it all she has learned from every teaching and every experience. Without these lesson Janice wouldn't be the proud, esteemed, loving, successful Aboriginal Woman that she is today. Janice has been honored to have been able to share her gifts with those you appreciate it. As Co-founder of Breaking the Trail, Janice hopes to continue sharing her gifts with the people of Turtle Island.

Natashia Cardinal a.k.a. Lady Eloquence~
Co-founder/Hip Hop Emcee/Workshop Facilitator/ Motivational Speaker

From Bigstone Cree Nation Alberta, Natashia AKA LADY ELOQUENCE is one of the country’s most well-known Native Hip-Hop Female Emcee's. She began gracing the stage and blowing up microphones back in 2001, performing at open-mic events wherever she could. It was soon after that her talent caught the attention of Redd Rocc Records producer ILL LOGIKAL. He saw that she was a raw talent which was waiting to be discovered. In 2002 she began appearing on stages across Canada, with her first major appearance being at the 2002 North American Indigenous Games, by far the largest aboriginal sport competition in North America. Soon after, she became the first lady of famed native hip-hop group REDDNATION. LADY ELOQUENCE is by far the most sought-after (Native) Female emcee, with a style that is all her very own. Her sound is as unique as it is vibrant. In 2005 she was nominated for “Best Rap or Hip Hop Album” at the 2005 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards. She then released her second album “Rain or Shine” in June 2007. She has proven that with hard work and determination, dreams can be accomplished. She is a true leader and inspiration for all young aboriginal women. In 2009, she joined forces with the new famed Hip Hop crew Red 3 productions, and began touring with Going Miles. Utilizing her talents to write inspirational songs, and facilitate workshops across Canada, she honors her gifts as an artist by giving back to the Aboriginal community. She has performed and participated in several high profile events as Dream Catchers Youth Conference, Dreamspeakers Film Festival, National Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards, NAIG, Canadian Aboriginal Music Festival, Arctic Winter games and many more. She has also been featured in Say Magazine, CFWE, CBC Radio, Sweetgrass and Windspeaker Newspaper, Breakfast Television, Aboriginal Voices, and Think NDN. She is currently working on her 3rd album; using her traumatic experiences as the driving force to write even more profound lyrics. She as a performer believes in uplifting young women. She uses her music and appearances to reach out and to reaffirm the strength and beauty of a woman in young Aboriginal girls everywhere. Lady Eloquence not only personifies what it is to be a strong young Aboriginal Female, but also a young and dedicated parent. Balancing school, work, family and music was not an easy task, but she managed to persevere and she uses her lessons learned to pass them onto others. Encouraging youth to remain courageous and determined to rise above the stereotypes, and embrace natural talent. She is a shining example of determination and resilience. In 2009 she became the Co-founder of Breaking the Trail, a group dedicated to the achievements of Aboriginal Women.

Teneil Whiskeyjack ~
Facilitator/Actress/Model/
Make-up Artist

Teneil is a proud Cree woman of Saddlelake Cree Nation. She is currently residing in Edmonton Alberta, working as a Consultant and Free lance Make-up artist. At a very young age, Teneil embarked upon a career in the Fashion and Film industry. She has been featured in several film and commercial ads; finally getting her chance to star in such television series as Blackstone, Mixed Blessings, Hank Williams First Nations, Teen Renegade press.com and many more. Her achievements were soon recognized when she won “Outstanding new performance” at the First Americans in the Arts Awards for the television series DREAMKEEPER. She has been honored to take part in The Arts Circle Project for the Future Modern and Traditional Arts Centre for Blue Quills College. Overcoming such adversities as teen motherhood, and the restrictions of reserve life (e.g. Limited resources and educational access) Teniel decided to move to Edmonton to further her passion of dancing, film, fashion and working with the youth.

Kiera Dawn Kolson ~
Facilitator/Entertainer

Kiera Dawn of Yellowknife, NWT (DENEDAH) has a natural talent for music and creating lyrics for songs. She first stepped onto a stage at the age of four, reciting a 32 line, four stanza poem winning her first trophy at the Yellowknife Métis Talent show in 1990. Kiera began writing songs at 13 and at 21 has accumulated over 100 songs. Kiera She recorded her first demo with Redd Rocc Records in 2005, and has had opportunity to perform with Reddnation in Edmonton, AB. She has attended the International Youth Parliament in Sydney, AU, and had the opportunity to perform at high profile venues such as Earth Ling Environment Conference in Vancouver, BC the Aboriginal Achievement Awards in 2006 as well as the Aboriginal People’s Choice Music Awards in Winnipeg, MB. She aspires to help youth and speaks word of encouragement in many of her song pieces and promotes the resonating message—”Be the best that you can be”. She is the Youth representative for the Native Women’s Association of the NWT and the North representative at the National Native Women’s Association of Canada. Kiera has attended many youth conferences to motivate others, and discuss our identity as Aboriginal peoples, and our human rights. She enjoys writing and singing her songs, reading and learning about her identity as a young Dene Woman.

Lisa Muswagon ~ Facilitator/Entertainer/Model/Entrepreneur

Lisa is an artist and member of the Pimicikamak Cree Nation (Cross Lake, Manitoba). Her ancestry consists of the Cree-Nakota tribe. Lisa attended University and enrolled into Yellowquill College where she obtained her Certificate in the Certified Aboriginal Financial Management Program. She is also the recipient of the 2003 Manitoba Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards where she won in the Cultural Female category. For as long as she can remember, Lisa has been exposed to her traditional culture, beliefs and teachings. When she was nine years old, she was a Fancy Shawl Dancer who took interest in pow wow singing and drumming. Her involvement with the Nay a no Singers, Daughters of the Loon gave her the opportunity to sing and share various traditional songs that have been passed on to them or learned from their travels to the Aboriginal community in Winnipeg. Lisa has performed hand drum songs at numerous functions and has been called an ‘Ambassador’ for the culture. Along with her sister Tamara, Lisa teaches youth about the hand drum, sharing stories and meaning behind singing. Lisa’s interest in modeling sparked at a young age, her grandmother encouraged her along with the support of her parents. Since then, Lisa has participated and organized various fashion shows throughout Canada and the Southwest USA. In 2005, she traveled to Toronto and was introduced to Larry Price and Brandi Jade from Native Model Studio. They shared a common vision with a mission to empower and support youth to follow their dreams. Native Model Studio expanded to Canada and is operating out of Winnipeg, Manitoba. She is an entrepreneur, who networks and collaborates with other artists, models, photographers and creative artists as well as providing workshops on the basics of modeling, confidence and self esteem. Lisa’s tremendous talents include not only singing traditional music, public presentations, modeling but ceremonial awareness and involvement, parenting, public performances demonstrating positive leadership and a dedication of inspiring others to get the best out of life.

~ Honorary Kukom/Elder ~
Rose Wabasca

Originally from Drift Pile First Nations, AB and resides in Edmonton, AB, Rose brings with her background in counseling, working in various foster care programs and addiction programs. She carries a number of certificates in addictions and personal development. With eighteen years experience, Rose has excellent leadership qualities; she is fluent in the Cree language and culture, has strong communication skills and is highly motivated. Rose has worked with many different organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area, The Family Centre, Elizabeth Fry Society, Stan Daniels Healing Centre and Spirit of Our Youth Homes. Along with all her background Rose has the ability to make those around her feel safe, comfortable, and loved as a result of her compassion, caring and gentleness. Rose has become a positive instrument in the lives of many people in the Edmonton Aboriginal Community. With her inspiration, guidance and teachings Kokum Rose is truly a great teacher & recognized Elder.

~ Honorary Sister ~
Cara Lenoir - Entrepreneur/Business

Cara specializes in small business development and administration, with a focus on capacity building. She provides expertise in entrepreneurship including business planning, administrative process development, financial management, and strategic marketing. Cara’s broad range of experience includes employment with both private and public sector organizations. Previously employed with BC Hydro as the Aboriginal Procurement Coordinator, she supported the development of an Aboriginal Procurement Strategy to increase Aboriginal participation in bidding on contracting opportunities. As an entrepreneur, Cara has experience in building and managing her own businesses ranging from real estate development and property management. Originally from Northwest Territories, Cara is a member of the Liidlii Kue First Nation. She has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC and currently resides in Vancouver, BC.

To find out more or to book Breaking the Trail for your event or upcoming conference, please
contact Natashia Cardinal @
(780) 340-5404 or Janice Randhile @
(780) 249-3794.

or by

Email

Angela Gladue (Lunacee) ~
Facilitator/Entertainer

Angela aka B-girl Lunacee, is a First Nations Cree who was born in Edmonton, AB and started cultural dancing (Métis and Powwow) at age 6. She continued learning her traditional styles of dance and performed with numerous cultural groups until the age of 12, where her dancing was put to a sudden halt upon her grandmother’s passing. Having no where to go, Angela was forced to live in various group homes and foster homes where she lost all stability and eventually found herself struggling with drugs and alcohol for the next few years. By 18, Angela re-discovered her First Nations culture, began b-girling (breaking) and has been blessed to perform, teach and travel to many cities through-out Canada, US and Europe with various First Nation performing groups. Some of Angela’s major accomplishments include: Choreographing and performing at the 2003 Aboriginal Music Awards, 2004 Aboriginal Winter Games, 2005 Bormio Ski Olympics in Italy, 2005 Alberta Centennial, 2007 & 2008 National Aboriginal Achievement Awards. In addition, Angela has also received several awards and scholarships including the 2004 Nellie Carlson Aboriginal Youth Award, the 2005 Jacobs Memorial Award, the 2008 Street Groove Dance Scholarship and the 2008 Northlands Emerging Artist Award, for demonstrating outstanding community leadership through dance. Currently, Angela travels to various schools, First Nations communities and special events, to promote living healthy lifestyles through dance & healing. Likewise, she aims to continue learning, as well as educating people about the hip-hop & First Nations culture.

Christina Auger ~
Facilitator/Entertainer

Christina was born and raised in Edmonton, AB. She was adopted into Saddle Lake First Nations; originally from Enoch and Mistawasis SK First Nations. Christina began dancing at the age of 5; today she dances Women’s Traditional, Jingle and Fancy dance. She grew up on the local powwow trail, traveling and meeting many people on her journey. Dancing opened up many doors and allowed her to travel globally sharing her gifts; she has travelled with such groups as White Braid Society, Laura Vinson and Free Spirit and Pisimwapi Dancers and Drummers. Along with her dancing Krissy had the honor of being crowned Miss White Braid Society Princess. Christina is also an original member of the Traditional Rattle and Drum group known as Spirit Woman Singers. Performing in such high profile events as Esquao Awards, Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards, Canadian Aboriginal Music Festival, Dreamcatchers Youth Conference. Multi-talented and passionate about everything she does, Krissy dreams with her heart and flies into her work or projects with all her positive energy. Krissy takes pleasure in helping others to see more of their own potential guiding them with tools to build their self esteem and confidence. Her journey has taken her around the world that opened her eyes to the similarities we all share and believes it’s our uniqueness that makes us all beautiful.

~ Honorary Sister ~
Michelle Nieviadomy - Entrepreneur/Health & Fitness

Michelle is the owner of ISKWEW Health & Wellness. She also is part of the Beach Ready Fitness team as a certified personal trainer. She is passionate about educating, motivating and providing services empowering people to achieve their fitness goals. She also teaches group fitness classes such as bootcamps, fitness kickboxing & yoga! Fitness is a personal passion of Michelle’s: she ran in the Las Vegas half marathon & ING, she has completed a 30 day hot yoga challenge & she proudly survived several sessions of Soldiers of Fitness boot camp! As a Cree woman, she is driven to see her Native people find healing, beauty & balance in who they are as Aboriginal people. She delivers health & wellness workshops tailored to Aboriginal & non Aboriginal groups!

~ Honorary Sister ~
Charm Logan
Northern Styles/ Facilitator/Entrepreneur

A contributing pillar and promoter of cultural and fine arts. Among her own artistic expression, she enables other artists to gain experience, mainstream exposure and opportunity. Specializing in event management, digital promotions and public relations. She brings over ten years of applied managerial skills, as a diploma graduate with marketing and business management, and university studies in the areas of business communications, commercial law. Her strong background of successful national arts projects is a testament to her hard work and integral work ethics. Investing a majority of her time practicing business management through challenging environments, she produces national exhibits featuring some of today’s hottest Native talent. Charm has been an feisty visual artist since childhood, practicing her drawings, writings and other creative mediums. She began expanding her creations to fashion, painting and photography since 1996. Gaining much of her mentor-ship from fellow fashionistas and established artists. She currently follows the technology trends with global communications and blends her creative ingenuity with her technical suave. Producing unique digital images, trend setting ideas and culturally influenced artwork from an urban perspective.

"Once again, Breaking the Trail had the honor of presenting at the 2011 Dreamcatchers Youth Conference. What an AWESOME group of youth that attended this year and who attended our workshops! Janice Randhile, Natashia Cardinal and Julie LaFlemme were the three who facilitated/co-facilitated our workshops ~ Human Rights, Bridging the Gap, & Womans Worth...what a humbling experience to facilitate to a wonderful audience."

Testimonials from workshops:

Human Rights Workshop ~

"I feel more educated about my Human Rights, thanks to the Presenters, excellent job!"
"Learnt new stuff about Human Rights."

"Great topic to discuss and inform youth about especiallythat they have the right to fight for their rights."

Bridging the Gap ~

"I had lots of fun, info was touching and deep."
"I was quite impressed with the speakers and I was too shy to sing."
"Janice got us involved and Natashia told us stories. It wasn't just a speech, it reminded us that who we are is important, It was good."

Womans Worth ~

"Very Inspirational" ~ "Very Empowering"

"It was an amazing session, need more sessions like this one."

"I like the session because it reminded me of what i'm worth."