Dave Jones, Founder
Born and raised by two amazing parents on the Garden River First Nation near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Dave Jones, the second of four children, is of Ojibwe ancestry.
As a child who was often labelled as the 'teacher's pet', Dave has had a life long love of school and learning. He actively promotes education, has served on many committees, and continues to advocate for the benefits of education among youth. Dave's love for learning continues to advocate for the benefits of education among youth.
Dave's love of learning drove him to obtain a Bachelor in Sociology as well as a Bachelor of Education with a concentration in the Primary/Junior level. He taught Senior Kindergarten, High School, and in the Faculty of Education at Nipissing University in North Bay, Ontario, Canada. In 1999, Dave formally left teaching to open Turtle Concepts so he could teach confidence in all it's facets, and inspire changes to last a lifetime.
Dave's deep knowledge of his Indigenous culture coupled with contemporary skills, and methodologies combine to create modern, fun, yet culturally relevant sessions to address suicide prevention, gang awareness, drug and alcohol awareness, confidence building strategies, anti-bullying prevention, pre-natal engagement, life skills, employment readiness, career skills and professional development for staff in day cares, schools, boards and more
Although teased as a child for his choice of living a “positive and healthy lifestyle”, as an adult Dave has been able to touch lives of numerous people of all ages for promoting the same thing.
He is an award-winning motivational speaker, author and professional photographer who has launched several major poster campaigns, a musician, storyteller, emcee, consultant, designer, fashion director, choreographer, makeup artist, stylist, counsillor, teacher and most of all a strong advocate for promoting healthy lifestyles. He currently serves as a councillor on the Garden River First Nation Council.
As a child who was often labelled as the 'teacher's pet', Dave has had a life long love of school and learning. He actively promotes education, has served on many committees, and continues to advocate for the benefits of education among youth. Dave's love for learning continues to advocate for the benefits of education among youth.
Dave's love of learning drove him to obtain a Bachelor in Sociology as well as a Bachelor of Education with a concentration in the Primary/Junior level. He taught Senior Kindergarten, High School, and in the Faculty of Education at Nipissing University in North Bay, Ontario, Canada. In 1999, Dave formally left teaching to open Turtle Concepts so he could teach confidence in all it's facets, and inspire changes to last a lifetime.
Dave's deep knowledge of his Indigenous culture coupled with contemporary skills, and methodologies combine to create modern, fun, yet culturally relevant sessions to address suicide prevention, gang awareness, drug and alcohol awareness, confidence building strategies, anti-bullying prevention, pre-natal engagement, life skills, employment readiness, career skills and professional development for staff in day cares, schools, boards and more
Although teased as a child for his choice of living a “positive and healthy lifestyle”, as an adult Dave has been able to touch lives of numerous people of all ages for promoting the same thing.
He is an award-winning motivational speaker, author and professional photographer who has launched several major poster campaigns, a musician, storyteller, emcee, consultant, designer, fashion director, choreographer, makeup artist, stylist, counsillor, teacher and most of all a strong advocate for promoting healthy lifestyles. He currently serves as a councillor on the Garden River First Nation Council.
Dan Jones, Co-Founder
Dan Jones is the youngest sibling of the Jones Clan. He is 15 years junior to older brother Dave and he brings a totally different perspective and experience to Turtle Concepts. Whereas Dave has seen many interesting experiences, Dan was fortunate to see many more positive and healthy experiences that his parents had promoted to his three older siblings.
Daniel's confidence is a true example of 'intergenerational excitement vs. intergenerational trauma'. He shares the journey that occurs when previous generations have changed behaviours, attitudes and mindsets to healthier ways and how others can begin to be a more positive role model within their family and future generations.
Daniel studied Fashion Design and Technology at George Brown College in Toronto and has experience in designing and construction, styling, hair and makeup and most recently appeared as a celebrated runway model for various international fashion shows. His confidence and creative edge are noteworthy and fit excellently with Turtle Concepts' motto that 'everyone has a right to feel good about themselves'.
Daniel also has served the Garden River First Nation as a Fitness Coordinator / Recreation Manager and was innovative in the programming he provided for all ages.
Dan continues to inspire and motivate all ages to believe in themselves, motivate themselves, heal themselves and discover the beauty of confidence. He believes confidence is the key for personal, professional and more aspects of life.
Contact us today to find out more about how Turtle Concepts can work for you!
Daniel's confidence is a true example of 'intergenerational excitement vs. intergenerational trauma'. He shares the journey that occurs when previous generations have changed behaviours, attitudes and mindsets to healthier ways and how others can begin to be a more positive role model within their family and future generations.
Daniel studied Fashion Design and Technology at George Brown College in Toronto and has experience in designing and construction, styling, hair and makeup and most recently appeared as a celebrated runway model for various international fashion shows. His confidence and creative edge are noteworthy and fit excellently with Turtle Concepts' motto that 'everyone has a right to feel good about themselves'.
Daniel also has served the Garden River First Nation as a Fitness Coordinator / Recreation Manager and was innovative in the programming he provided for all ages.
Dan continues to inspire and motivate all ages to believe in themselves, motivate themselves, heal themselves and discover the beauty of confidence. He believes confidence is the key for personal, professional and more aspects of life.
Contact us today to find out more about how Turtle Concepts can work for you!
