Alumni Spotlight: Terrence Hardisty
Aug 18, 2025 | Vanessa Tignanelli, Storyteller & Content Creator
Terrence Hardisty (47) was born and raised in Moose Factory and has spent much of his life giving back to the community that shaped him. After a first attempt at college studying Police Foundations, he realized that path wasn’t for him, and returned home to spend years working in housing, carpentry, and odd jobs. Through coaching and youth programs, Terrence gradually found himself pulled toward social work and mental wellness, discovering a deeper calling to support others.
After overcoming his own struggles with trauma and addiction, he wanted to be part of something that could create change. He enrolled in Canadore College’s Indigenous Wellness and Addictions Prevention program in 2000, completing a placement at Nbisiing Secondary School that showed him the power of one-on-one support. He never let go of his goal to turn his IWAP certificate into a diploma. He returned to Canadore in 2005, turning down full-time job offers to stay focused on his goal, and graduated with his diploma in 2007.
Today, Terrence is the Health and Wellness Coordinator for Moose Cree First Nation. He oversees a staff of 20 and delivers a range of programs including harm reduction and counselling, grief therapy, land-based learning, and regalia-making workshops. He organizes the Pathway to Healing conference—a quarterly event focused on supporting community wellness through culturally grounded healing practices, guest speakers, and workshops—and still makes time for the one-on-one counselling work he’s most passionate about. His lived experience allows him to connect with people in an honest way, and he often reminds others that it’s okay to take time to heal, to reflect, and to find their path. Now, his daughter is eyeing the same Canadore program that helped guide her father’s journey, and his son is also considering becoming a Panther after graduation. For Terrence, success means not just rebuilding, but coming back stronger and helping make the path clearer for those following behind.
“Canadore helped me get my feet off the ground and figure out where I wanted to go.”
“I turned down full-time jobs to go back and finish my diploma. I was so determined. I knew I could get here—it was just a matter of putting in the work.”
“My lived experience allows me to really connect with people. I’ve been through trauma, addiction, trouble with the law. It’s a common story—but now it’s my strength.”
“I don’t judge anyone. I just remind them it’s doable. And I’m here when they’re ready.”
“Take your time to figure out what you want to do—something you enjoy, something people can benefit from.”
“The staff at Canadore were really helpful. Whenever I had a problem, they would sit with me, talk with me, and help figure things out.”
Terrence Hardisty
Health and Wellness Coordinator, Moose Cree First Nation
Indigenous Wellness and Addictions Prevention Program (Class of 2007)
#Alumni #Canadore College #First Peoples' Centre #Indigenous