Our Team

Our team at Aurora Spirit Consulting is deeply committed to preserving and promoting Indigenous culture through thoughtful, community-centered approaches. Each member brings a wealth of experience in cultural development and a shared dedication to fostering healing, resilience, and growth within Indigenous communities.

Carla J. Wallis, CET, PMP, LE, LED
Founder / Principle Consultant
Cultural Center Development Specialist 
​Indigenous Cultural Consultant​​

Carla J. Wallis is a dedicated project manager, cultural consultant, business owner, and self-published author with a profound commitment to preserving Indigenous culture, promoting wellness, and supporting community healing. As a Deline Got'ine Government beneficiary, Dene of the Sahtu, and the daughter of a residential school survivor, Carla understands the critical importance of creating spaces that foster cultural continuity and healing. She brings over 30 years of experience in cultural development, arts program management, and community engagement to her work, supporting communities in preserving cultural traditions and fostering sustainable economic growth.

Broad Business Management and Strategic Project Experience
In addition to founding Aurora Spirit Consulting to support Indigenous cultural initiatives, Carla has co-owned and managed Great Slave Adventures Fishing Tours, where she oversaw all business operations. She also owns a spa and esthetics training center, as well as a spiritual healing center, giving her a diverse entrepreneurial background that equips her with strong financial, operational, and customer relations skills. These experiences are invaluable in her ability to manage complex, community-focused projects effectively and with cultural sensitivity.

Educational Foundation and Dedication to Cultural Development
Carla’s educational journey reflects the same depth, purpose, and versatility that define her work in the field. She is a Certified Energy Therapist (CET) with a strong grounding in cultural medicine and holistic wellness; a Licensed Esthetician (LE) with specialization in clinical and medical esthetics; and a Licensed Esthetics Director (LED), recognized for her leadership in advanced esthetics education and spa-based training. Her ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder projects is further strengthened by the completion of Project Management Professional (PMP) training through Vancouver Community College. Carla has also completed the Executive Leadership Development program through the Alberta School of Business and holds a Leadership Certificate from Aurora College—credentials that support her deep skill set in strategic planning, organizational management, and culturally responsive leadership. These academic achievements, combined with her studies at Brandon University, reinforce her commitment to delivering transformative, community-driven projects that are both visionary and rooted in lived experience.

Commitment to Community Healing and Cultural Preservation
Carla’s background as the daughter of a residential school survivor gives her a deep understanding of the need for cultural and healing spaces. Her work supports the development of environments where traditional skills, Dene stories, and intergenerational knowledge can thrive, fostering cultural continuity and resilience. Carla’s approach emphasizes sustainable operations and programming that resonate with communities, enhancing cultural pride and unity through arts and cultural initiatives.
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Promoting Economic Development through Cultural Tourism
A champion for cultural tourism as a community asset, Carla integrates economic development into her projects, creating sustainable revenue streams that benefit local artists and engage visitors. Her approach positions arts and cultural spaces as economic drivers that strengthen local pride and unity, offering both cultural enrichment and economic stability. With her experience, cultural insight, and dedication to community healing, Carla continues to lead initiatives that empower communities, foster wellness, and celebrate Indigenous culture, ensuring these values are preserved and shared for future generations.

Professional Business & Proposal Writing Expertise
In addition to her cultural and business leadership, Carla is a highly experienced professional writer and the self-published author of nine books. She specializes in crafting business plans, funding proposals, strategic documents, and tourism development frameworks that are clear, compelling, and funder-ready. With over 20 years of grant writing and program development experience, Carla supports Indigenous governments, entrepreneurs, and community organizations in articulating their visions and securing critical funding. Her writing is grounded in both strategic insight and cultural knowledge, helping bring complex projects to life with clarity, impact, and cultural integrity.

Rachel Oystrek, CDNC, EMLD Cert., LC
Independent Consultant
Indigenous Community Development and Wellness Specialist

Rachel Oystrek is a passionate and accomplished Indigenous professional whose career is dedicated to fostering community development, advancing Indigenous health, and promoting cultural advocacy. With extensive experience in both the public health and research sectors, Rachel combines her deep understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems with strategic leadership to empower communities and drive meaningful change. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to reconciliation, cultural preservation, and the well-being of Indigenous populations in Canada and beyond.

Leadership in Indigenous Health and Community Development
As the Indigenous Community Project Lead at the University of Alberta’s Indigenous and Global Health Research Group, Rachel guides a multidisciplinary team in research projects that span Indigenous communities across Canada and include partnerships with international Indigenous organizations. Her role involves fostering collaborative relationships with Indigenous governments, community stakeholders, and public health officials to deliver impactful research grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems.

Extensive Experience in Public Health and Wellness Strategies
Rachel’s career includes over a decade in the public health sector with the Government of the Northwest Territories. As a Community Development & Wellness Planner, she played a pivotal role in shaping wellness strategies for Northern communities. She led health promotion initiatives, managed significant wellness funding, and developed culturally tailored health programs reflecting the unique priorities of Indigenous communities. Rachel is recognized for her expertise in Indigenous research methodologies and cultural training, ensuring all communications and public health initiatives respect Indigenous protocols and cultural safety.

Educational Foundation and Leadership Development
Rachel’s strong educational background underpins her work. She holds a Community Development in Northern Canada (CDNC) certification from Yukon College, focusing on addressing the unique needs of Northern communities. She also earned an Emerging Managers Leadership Development (EMLD) certification from the University of Alberta, equipping her with critical skills in leadership, project management, and organizational development. Additionally, she obtained a Leadership Certificate (LC) from Vancouver Community College, specializing in conflict resolution, strategic communication, and collaboration.

Commitment to Reconciliation and Cultural Advocacy
Driven by her commitment to reconciliation and wellness, Rachel is devoted to empowering communities, preserving cultural values, and advancing health equity for Indigenous populations. Her work continues to reflect her deep dedication to promoting cultural advocacy, fostering collaboration, and ensuring health equity for Indigenous communities across Canada and beyond.