SEVENTH FIRE
OUR STAFF
JACKY CHAN
Teacher & Land-Based Educator
Education Background
- OCT Certified
- Master’s of Education – Social Justice & Indigenous Ed – Lakehead University (2018)
- Honours Bachelor of Education – Intermediate/Senior levels – Lakehead University (2016)
- Honours Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism – Lakehead University (2015)
- Diploma of Film & Television Production – Humber College (2009)
- Certificate of Media Foundations – Humber College (2006)
Outdoor/Land-Based Background
- Co-founder/program director of Zen’s Outdoor Leadership Camp for Youth (ZOLCY) – a volunteer driven Canadian not-for-profit organization that worked with global underserved communities. ZOLCY’s mission was to cultivate positive well-being and leadership development and to promote cultural perspectives and social and environmental justice.
- Led groups to Jamaica and Nepal where he has facilitated service learning programs since 2012.
- Led trekking expeditions in the Himalayan region of Nepal.
- Led Canoe trips in Algonquin Provincial Park and surrounding area for a summer camp for five seasons.
- Co-Led backpacking trips for the department of Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Tourism at Lakehead University.
- Certified Bronze Cross Lifeguard.
- Certified Wildness First Responder.
- Certified Canoe Tripping Instructor Trainer.
Additional Background
My teaching philosophy comes from my experiences of traveling the world and learning from Masters of various Indigenous Traditions.
An avid martial artist, I have trained in martial arts for over 30 years. I have spent several months in China training in Taijiquan, meditation, and Gongfu with the legendary Shaolin Warrior monks. I currently hold the title of “Sensei” as a third-degree black belt in the art of Shotokan karate-do. I am an advanced instructor in Control and Defense Tactical Training and am proficient in Traditional Chinese Kung Fu, Yoshinkai Aikido, and Krav Maga. I have studied Yoga and meditation in India and Nepal and am a Laughter Yoga Teacher Trainer, certified under the auspicious tutelage of Dr. Madan Kataria, the founder of Laughter Yoga. Lastly, I am a disciple of Taita Jose Mora, a Shaman and traditional healer from the lineage of the Cofán People in the Putomayo province of Colombia.
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy takes a philosophical approach to life and living and an understanding of global worldviews and culture. My teaching style is grounded in wellness, mindfulness, and movement-based practices that provide students with the tools to support their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.
I strive to provide an environment whenever possible where learners can be outside the “traditional” classroom and learn from the Land. Overnight camping trips are one way that I provide these experiential learning environments for our students.