TESTIMONIALS
"As a high school counsellor in a remote First Nation community I am constantly seeking facilitators who bring a unique, culture-based, positive energy to the student body. I reached out to Turtle Concepts after finding them on a google search and took a chance with bringing them up and I am so thankful they popped up in my search that day! Turtle Concepts programs and facilitators have been nothing but amazing over the past 3 years of working with them. They have wonderful engaging ways to bring up difficult but important topics. I was blown away by the impacts I saw in the students in a very short amount of time even; some kids who I have never seen take their hood off were walking proud and smiling in a fashion show by the end of the visit. I fully recommend Turtle Concepts for communities who want to bring hope, health and motivation to their young people!"
Christine Head - Counsellor, Francine J Wesley Secondary School, Hishkoonikun Education Authority, Kashechewan First Nation, ON, CA
"Turtle Concepts provided our co-op students with the necessary skills and tools to be confident in a virtual world. I was immensely impressed with our students' level of engagement in the virtual workshops. In a sense, he broke them out of their shells and gave them a space to discover themselves. Dave is innovative and real, providing and encouraging meaningful dialogue and interaction between all participants. He encouraged each person to share their true self and be proud, and he does so in a unique way that works in a virtual environment. Months after the workshop, the students are still talking about the difference his workshop made and how it highlighted their co-op experience."
Natalie Fletcher - Assistant Manager, Institute of Indigenous Learning, Fanshawe College, London, ON, CA
“In the Northwest Territories, the Dene have a philosophy “Strong Like Two People.” Dave Jones’ confidence message particularly resonates in Yellowknife because he epitomizes “Strong Like Two People.” That is, he very much embodies the lifestyle of the modern, educated, successful Canadian, but he also has a very strong connection to his traditional Indigenous language and culture. Dave Jones has made a very significant and positive impact on all of our students – both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, and has definitely reinforced the message that confidence and success is achievable by all, not just the select privileged few.”
Shannon Payne - Indigenous Education Coordinator, Yellowknife Education District No. 1 of the NWT, CA
“David is an Anishnaabe maverick, holding true to his traditional teachings while inventing and reinventing the way we see the way our future will be shaped by our youth. Our youth need people like David to be their role model and our community will flourish with skilled leaders like David who can be a voice and inspiration for them.”
Lisa Ravensbergen - Theatre Artist Vancouver, BC, CA
“The conference delegates had many positive words for the National Youth Panel and your knowledge, professionalism and willingness to share your experience. Your participation was a key factor in the conferences success!”
Cheryl Cardinal – Education and Research Coordinator, Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers, Edmonton, AB, CA
"There is a great sense of understanding about our beliefs, values and traditional teachings within our inner being! Our children learn to have this belief within them as they continue to grow along with the ongoing support from family, friends and especially parents. As this growth continues, the students learn to do and know what is important in the many life teachings.
This is very evident with the ideals derived by Turtle Concepts. TC promotes showing our inner selves and encourages youth to try to do the best they can with their abilities. I personally have seen the results put forth by this company and the continued success that the students have accomplished. They hold their head up high with pride because they know and understand how to deal with the many stereotypes encountered by our people."
Isadore Toulouse - Ojibwe Language Advocate/Instructor, ON, CA
“Turtle Concepts inspired the students and staff in Simcoe County with a presentation that encouraged us all to see the opportunity that lies ahead and follow those that are optimistic and seek out the positive. By sharing their individual stories and music, the members of the Turtle Concepts team were able to reach a wide audience demonstrating how perseverance and a positive mind-set are essential in order to be and stay healthy and reach your true potential. While the message was specifically directed at Simcoe County’s First Nation, Metis and Inuit students, it is really one that is universal benefiting everyone.”
Ian Strath - Principal, Simcoe District School Board, ON, CA
“There is a reason I call him MR. WONDERFUL. Dave did an amazing job as Emcee for our 30th Annual conference and did a stellar job in his workshop. “ ONECA peeps really enjoy his energy, his humour, and he really knows how to connect with the crowd and get them going. Not quite so sure about writing your name with your belly button but that was fun too. Thanks Dave and the turtles for an outstanding job!”
Roxanne Manitowabi - Executive Director, ONECA, Sudbury, ON, CA
“Dave has serve Samuel Hearne Secondary School in a variety of capacities for the past few years. His aptitude highlights his strong leadership skills. He has presented workshops to our student body covering the importance of finding confidence to make the right choices to making positive changes in their lives. He has an uncanny knack for knowing what our students are experiencing. He has undertaken each task with due diligence and is not afraid to speak to the kids on their level. For these reasons he is an inspiration not only to Indigenous students, but to our staff and entire student body.”
Lorne P. Guy - Vice Principal Samuel Hearne Secondary School Inuvik, NWT, CA
“Having personally observed the workshops, I found them to be very thought-provoking and interactive, but most importantly; the messages Dave presented to the youth were clearly geared to their level. In no time during the workshops were they ever talked down to, real life scenarios and thought provoking questions were provided to them in terms they are familiar with, not watered down.”
Tina Martin – Band Councillor, Maliseet Tobique First Nation, NB, CA
“From the moment we were introduced to the team at Turtle Concepts, it was evident that the day would be filled with exciting and motivating activities. Students were not only involved throughout the presentation, but felt totally at ease while going beyond their ‘comfort’ levels. An amazing program focused on building self-esteem and positive relationships--- but more importantly, delivering the messages that it is ‘okay to be yourself’ and to ‘believe that anything is possible’. Mr. Jones and his team were not afraid to share their own personal experiences of struggles and victories, enabling students to easily connect. Turtle Concepts is highly recommended for any age group..... an unforgettable experience, while at the same time, developing critical skills for a successful future!”
Linda Legacy - Principal Holy Family Catholic School, ON, CA
“Turtle Concepts defines each and every leadership trait we young individuals have. Our skills are then brought together to make a well-balanced supportive team. Working at TC is a safe place to be yourself and allows you to reveal the better person within you.”
Ruth Gustaw - Iqualuit, Nunavut, CA
“I have known Dave Jones of Turtle Concepts before it was created, and TC definitely serves a told in introducing evolved ideas and guiding the young people of today. Dave’s ability to engage audiences of various ages encourages new, refreshing ideologies in a modern Indigenous context. Dave’s strategies in Indigenous territory are meritorious, controversial, and essential in the evolution of Original people. Dave and his youth instill the audience with a confidence that challenges the contemporary conventional wisdom with proven success. I guarantee it is worth listening to.”
Stacy R. Tijerina - B.Sc., L.L.B., Barrister & Solicitor, Batchewana First Nation, ON, CA
"As a high school counsellor in a remote First Nation community I am constantly seeking facilitators who bring a unique, culture-based, positive energy to the student body. I reached out to Turtle Concepts after finding them on a google search and took a chance with bringing them up and I am so thankful they popped up in my search that day! Turtle Concepts programs and facilitators have been nothing but amazing over the past 3 years of working with them. They have wonderful engaging ways to bring up difficult but important topics. I was blown away by the impacts I saw in the students in a very short amount of time even; some kids who I have never seen take their hood off were walking proud and smiling in a fashion show by the end of the visit. I fully recommend Turtle Concepts for communities who want to bring hope, health and motivation to their young people!"
Christine Head - Counsellor, Francine J Wesley Secondary School, Hishkoonikun Education Authority, Kashechewan First Nation, ON, CA
"Turtle Concepts provided our co-op students with the necessary skills and tools to be confident in a virtual world. I was immensely impressed with our students' level of engagement in the virtual workshops. In a sense, he broke them out of their shells and gave them a space to discover themselves. Dave is innovative and real, providing and encouraging meaningful dialogue and interaction between all participants. He encouraged each person to share their true self and be proud, and he does so in a unique way that works in a virtual environment. Months after the workshop, the students are still talking about the difference his workshop made and how it highlighted their co-op experience."
Natalie Fletcher - Assistant Manager, Institute of Indigenous Learning, Fanshawe College, London, ON, CA
“In the Northwest Territories, the Dene have a philosophy “Strong Like Two People.” Dave Jones’ confidence message particularly resonates in Yellowknife because he epitomizes “Strong Like Two People.” That is, he very much embodies the lifestyle of the modern, educated, successful Canadian, but he also has a very strong connection to his traditional Indigenous language and culture. Dave Jones has made a very significant and positive impact on all of our students – both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, and has definitely reinforced the message that confidence and success is achievable by all, not just the select privileged few.”
Shannon Payne - Indigenous Education Coordinator, Yellowknife Education District No. 1 of the NWT, CA
“David is an Anishnaabe maverick, holding true to his traditional teachings while inventing and reinventing the way we see the way our future will be shaped by our youth. Our youth need people like David to be their role model and our community will flourish with skilled leaders like David who can be a voice and inspiration for them.”
Lisa Ravensbergen - Theatre Artist Vancouver, BC, CA
“The conference delegates had many positive words for the National Youth Panel and your knowledge, professionalism and willingness to share your experience. Your participation was a key factor in the conferences success!”
Cheryl Cardinal – Education and Research Coordinator, Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers, Edmonton, AB, CA
"There is a great sense of understanding about our beliefs, values and traditional teachings within our inner being! Our children learn to have this belief within them as they continue to grow along with the ongoing support from family, friends and especially parents. As this growth continues, the students learn to do and know what is important in the many life teachings.
This is very evident with the ideals derived by Turtle Concepts. TC promotes showing our inner selves and encourages youth to try to do the best they can with their abilities. I personally have seen the results put forth by this company and the continued success that the students have accomplished. They hold their head up high with pride because they know and understand how to deal with the many stereotypes encountered by our people."
Isadore Toulouse - Ojibwe Language Advocate/Instructor, ON, CA
“Turtle Concepts inspired the students and staff in Simcoe County with a presentation that encouraged us all to see the opportunity that lies ahead and follow those that are optimistic and seek out the positive. By sharing their individual stories and music, the members of the Turtle Concepts team were able to reach a wide audience demonstrating how perseverance and a positive mind-set are essential in order to be and stay healthy and reach your true potential. While the message was specifically directed at Simcoe County’s First Nation, Metis and Inuit students, it is really one that is universal benefiting everyone.”
Ian Strath - Principal, Simcoe District School Board, ON, CA
“There is a reason I call him MR. WONDERFUL. Dave did an amazing job as Emcee for our 30th Annual conference and did a stellar job in his workshop. “ ONECA peeps really enjoy his energy, his humour, and he really knows how to connect with the crowd and get them going. Not quite so sure about writing your name with your belly button but that was fun too. Thanks Dave and the turtles for an outstanding job!”
Roxanne Manitowabi - Executive Director, ONECA, Sudbury, ON, CA
“Dave has serve Samuel Hearne Secondary School in a variety of capacities for the past few years. His aptitude highlights his strong leadership skills. He has presented workshops to our student body covering the importance of finding confidence to make the right choices to making positive changes in their lives. He has an uncanny knack for knowing what our students are experiencing. He has undertaken each task with due diligence and is not afraid to speak to the kids on their level. For these reasons he is an inspiration not only to Indigenous students, but to our staff and entire student body.”
Lorne P. Guy - Vice Principal Samuel Hearne Secondary School Inuvik, NWT, CA
“Having personally observed the workshops, I found them to be very thought-provoking and interactive, but most importantly; the messages Dave presented to the youth were clearly geared to their level. In no time during the workshops were they ever talked down to, real life scenarios and thought provoking questions were provided to them in terms they are familiar with, not watered down.”
Tina Martin – Band Councillor, Maliseet Tobique First Nation, NB, CA
“From the moment we were introduced to the team at Turtle Concepts, it was evident that the day would be filled with exciting and motivating activities. Students were not only involved throughout the presentation, but felt totally at ease while going beyond their ‘comfort’ levels. An amazing program focused on building self-esteem and positive relationships--- but more importantly, delivering the messages that it is ‘okay to be yourself’ and to ‘believe that anything is possible’. Mr. Jones and his team were not afraid to share their own personal experiences of struggles and victories, enabling students to easily connect. Turtle Concepts is highly recommended for any age group..... an unforgettable experience, while at the same time, developing critical skills for a successful future!”
Linda Legacy - Principal Holy Family Catholic School, ON, CA
“Turtle Concepts defines each and every leadership trait we young individuals have. Our skills are then brought together to make a well-balanced supportive team. Working at TC is a safe place to be yourself and allows you to reveal the better person within you.”
Ruth Gustaw - Iqualuit, Nunavut, CA
“I have known Dave Jones of Turtle Concepts before it was created, and TC definitely serves a told in introducing evolved ideas and guiding the young people of today. Dave’s ability to engage audiences of various ages encourages new, refreshing ideologies in a modern Indigenous context. Dave’s strategies in Indigenous territory are meritorious, controversial, and essential in the evolution of Original people. Dave and his youth instill the audience with a confidence that challenges the contemporary conventional wisdom with proven success. I guarantee it is worth listening to.”
Stacy R. Tijerina - B.Sc., L.L.B., Barrister & Solicitor, Batchewana First Nation, ON, CA
