Mental Health and Addictions Counsellor
E-Mail: polson_brad@sagamok.ca|
Office Phone: 705-865-2192 ext.203
Work Cell: 705-863-0263
Office Location: Saswin
Work Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Aanii,

My name is Brad Polson, Zoongi Gawbwi Nini, and I am an addictions counselor in the Sagamok Mental Health and Addictions department. Born and raised in Timiskaming First Nation, I moved to Sagamok in 2003 to settle down with my family and plant some roots. Before my time in Sagamok I held many positions in a multitude of fields, including mineral exploration for companies such as Ursa Major Minerals, and throughout the forestry industry. Although I appreciated each of my former jobs I found that my favorite aspect in each of my roles was helping people. Since a young child I have had a natural knack for connecting with those around me and providing guidance. I met my mentor for Anishinabe culture and ways of life in my mother’s place of origin, Bear Island, who I practiced ceremonies with and who eventually guided me on my own healing journey. It was upon recognizing my natural skills for helping people that I decided to harness my strengths and began a position working for the North Shore Tribal Council, servicing communities as a life coach through both Maamwesying and Niigaaniin. In 2017 a position for a cultural resource opened up in Sagamok and soon after that the position of addictions counselor. I knew I had found my niche in this role and was fulfilling my natural gifts by helping others along their healing journeys in an area very relative to my personal life path. To enhance my skills as a counselor and helper I attended Canadore College for the Indigenous Wellness & Addictions Prevention program. While this program increased my knowledge, it is my inherent aptitude for connecting with others that makes my current role a great fit.

I am happy to be a helper and cultural guide within the Sagamok community and hope to be of service to you all.