Who we are

Decolonize and Rize is an Indigenous women-led organization grounded in relational and trauma-informed approaches to Reconciliation, decolonization, and organizational change.

Co-founded by Vanessa Lesperance (Red River Métis) and Ariana Fotinakis (Anishinaabe), we specialize in designing and delivering transformational decolonial facilitation that deepens cultural awareness, fosters bridge-building, and supports both individuals and organizations in moving from awareness to action.

Rooted in Indigenous worldviews and grounded in experiential learning, we design and deliver facilitated discussions, learning experiences and team building. We utilize storytelling, harvesting ideas, and input that deepens cultural awareness and centers relationship-building. The result? Long-term systems change, leadership development and organizational and community transformation.

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our professional development and certifications include:

Cultivating Safe Spaces facilitator training from Naqsmist Storytellers Inc.
Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University
Integrative Wellness and Life Coach training from Integrative Wellness Academy
Masters of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University (included decolonizing research methods and methodologies)
Mental Health First Aid certificate
Level 3 Breathwave Facilitator
PAIR Certified facilitators with Canadian Council of Indigenous Business (CCIB)
This is Service Design Doing Executive School certificate (HCD techniques)
Trauma of Money-Certified Practitioner
Trauma Support Training from Restoring Balance Consulting

Vanessa Lesperance:

Co-Founder of Decolonize and Rize.

Vanessa Lesperance (she/her) is a heart-centered mixed heritage Métis woman who is reclaiming her Métis roots. She is the proud descendant of voyageurs and ancestors who were part of the Red River Resistance with roots in the Métis communities of St. Boniface and St. Francis Xavier, MB. Vanessa is a citizen of the Manitoba Métis Federation and sits on the executive of the Infinity Local.

Vanessa is a facilitator, speaker, and connector and the co-founder of Decolonize and Rize. She holds a graduate degree in business from SFU and a masters degree in leadership from Royal Roads University with a focus on decolonizing business through workplace spirituality.

She has worked extensively with Indigenous entrepreneurs (women and youth) from across Turtle Island who have inspired her regarding decolonizing business and the impact that can have.

During her work with the not-for-profit Indigenous LIFT Collective she took part in several sharing circles with federal ministers to advocate for the 5% procurement target by Canada and highlight the needed changes and improvements with the process.

Vanessa has also been published in a few publications and was part of a project team to Indigenize leadership curriculum at the Justice Institute of BC, where she is also a part-time instructor.

In her personal life she is known to buy more books than she can read; openly acknowledges that 90 Day Fiancé is her guilty pleasure; and loves a good cold plunge.

Ariana Fotinakis

Co-Founder of Decolonize and Rize

Ariana Fotinakis (she/her) is the co-founder of Decolonize and Rize, a trauma-responsive coach, breathwork facilitator, and devoted advocate for decolonized well-being. With Anishinaabe (Aamjiwnaang) and Greek ancestry and as the daughter of a Sixties Scoop survivor, Ariana is deeply committed to reclaiming her roots and supporting others in their journeys of healing and transformation.

For over a decade, Ariana has worked with hundreds of individuals and organizations across the globe, offering a grounded and compassionate approach to personal and collective change. She understands the importance of meeting people where they are and believes that everyone holds the capacity to foster meaningful shifts in their lives, workplaces, and communities. Sometimes, the medicine is as simple as having their brilliance reflected back to them.

Ariana’s approach is informed by extensive training in wellness coaching, somatics, and various forms of breathwork, alongside specialized certifications such as The Trauma of Money, Cultivating Safe Spaces, and Trauma-Responsive Support Training. Her work integrates nervous system awareness, cultural reclamation, and systemic change, creating spaces where individuals and teams can build resilience, deepen self-awareness, and cultivate sustainable well-being.

She is passionate about strengthening communities and guiding organizations toward more inclusive, accountable, and decolonized ways of working and being.

Outside of her professional life, Ariana is a devoted mother to a human, a dog, and an ever-shifting flock of chickens. Homesteading on 1/3 of an acre, Ariana is continuing to learn to feed her family and loved ones with simple, home-grown food in a quest to opt out of the industrial food complex.

here’s what others have to say about working with decolonize and rize

“Vanessa Lesperance and Ariana Fotinakis from Decolonize and Rize facilitated an engaging and enriching workshop on decolonizing business at our WEOC National Conference 2025. Because the workshop was on the first day of the conference, and not everyone had met, I was a little concerned that people wouldn't feel comfortable sharing and asking questions. Vanessa and provided a safe and supportive environment for open discussion and I loved seeing participants up on their feet working out ideas in small groups. I would not hesitate to have Decolonize and Rize develop additional workshops for our members, who work with women entrepreneurs across Canada. From the first discussion, right up to our in-person interactions, they were a pleasure to work with.”
- Lindsay Stewart Glor, Commmunications and Engagement Manager at WEOC
“A heartfelt thank you to Ariana Fotinakis and Vanessa Lesperance at Decolonize and Rize for sharing your invaluable insights on the topic of decolonizing business. Your perspectives have sparked important conversations and inspired new ways of thinking about how we can better align our organizational practices with Indigenous values and worldviews.

It’s clear that decolonization is not just a process but a continuous journey of growth and learning. Looking forward to exploring more opportunities for collaboration and learning together as we work to create spaces that are truly inclusive and reflective of the diverse voices we serve.

Thank you for helping us at Indigenous Friends Association deepen our commitment to community-centered business practices. Let’s continue to decolonize, innovate, and rise together!"
- Rosie Digout, Indigenous Friends Association
“Participating in the Reconciliation & Well-Being cohort with Decolonize & Rize was truly a life-saver for me!
Existing as an Indigenous woman in a colonial world 24/7/365 is always a very conscious and daily effort for me. This program was life-saving for me and I take away so much healing, support and courage to continue on.
Ariana and Vanessa do not shy away from the truth in their knowledge or their expressions and I truly valued that. I highly recommend this program for all Indigenous peoples and for non-Indigenous peoples to unlearn and take action in reconciliation!”
- Deborah Gopher, Reconciliation and Well-Being Cohort Participant
“Decolonize and Rize delivered two exceptional programs for our employees at Deloitte in Oct. 2024. The first session, "Recognizing and Navigating Burnout from an Indigenous Lens," provided invaluable insights into mental health in the workplace, offering a unique and culturally rich perspective that resonated deeply with our employees. The second session was a virtual meditation and breathwork class that left participants feeling rejuvenated and equipped with practical techniques to manage stress.
Both sessions were expertly facilitated, engaging, and highly relevant to our current workplace needs. Vanessa and Ariana demonstrated remarkable professionalism and expertise, making the entire experience seamless and impactful. Their ability to connect with our team and deliver content that was both informative and transformative was truly impressive.
I highly recommend Decolonize and Rize as facilitators for any organization looking to enhance their workplace wellness programs. Their approach is not only effective but also deeply enriching, making a significant positive impact on our employees' well-being.”
- Sameena Qureishi, Manager of Health and Wellness at Deloitte
“Vanessa and Ariana created a respectful and welcoming environment and made space for participation in however participants chose to engage. What I liked best was the introduction to nervous system responses and reflecting on our own tendencies when activated. I also liked that the instructors promoted a balanced approach for actions when activated; to hold compassion and empathy while holding up boundaries and accountability."
- Participant, Intergenerational Trauma in the Workplace workshop for Justice Institute of BC
"Decolonize and Rize delivered an outstanding session to our small business clients. Their presentation was incredibly insightful and shifted perspectives and offered solutions and resources to integrate economic reconciliation into business practices. Their professionalism was evident throughout, making the session both engaging and highly informative."
- Ruth Leene, Small Business BC
“I just completed the Reconciliation and Well-Being Autumn cohort with Vanessa and Ariana, and I’m so grateful for this powerful journey of growth, learning, remembering and co-creation.
The information was deep, impactful and meaningful, on all things decolonization and reconciliation. I really appreciated the group discussions both in small breakout rooms and in the larger group settings as a way to help integrate what we learned and discussed.
Vanessa and Ariana are excellent guides and teachers with wisdom, knowledge and lived experience they shared. I'm looking forward to implementing what i've learned and further do my part in spreading this work in my life and with my community and the world beyond!”
- Participant, Reconciliation and Well-Being Cohort

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