Brenda Reynolds

 BISW, RSW, Master of Arts Counseling Psychology, Psy.D. (ABA)

United Nations Nelson Mandela Laureate

 

Brenda Reynolds is Saulteaux from Fishing Lake First Nation, Saskatchewan, Canada. She is known for her development of the trauma-informed and culturally sensitive Indian Residential School Resolution Health Support Program under the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement and the Canada Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

 

After receiving a Bachelor of Indian Social Work, Brenda worked at Gordon’s Indian Residential School providing counseling services and educating students about abuse. In June 1988, 17 girls disclosed that they were being sexually abused by one of the residential school staff members, leading to the first litigated case of sexual abuse by an Indian Residential School staff member in Canada. This litigation became a catalyst for the 2007 Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement.

 

Brenda’s master’s research focused on the intergenerational trauma experienced by family members of Indian Residential School survivors. She is currently a doctoral student in clinical psychology, with her dissertation examining trauma interventions for cultural genocide.

 

Brenda is recognized nationally and internationally for her expertise in trauma counseling and her contributions to mental health planning. She has played key roles in developing trauma programs for Indian Residential School survivors, including leading the design and implementation of the Health Canada’s Indian Residential School Resolution Health Support Program. Brenda served as Special Advisor to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) on trauma and residential school impacts. Her exceptional leadership and advocacy have led to involvement in global peacebuilding and trauma-informed initiatives with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the European Union. She is a frequent keynote speaker and presenter at national and international conferences.

 

Brenda has received numerous accolades, including the Alberta Social Worker of the Year Award (1992), the Alberta Medical Association Medal of Honor (2019), and the Owen Adams Award of Honour from the Canadian Medical Association (2023), which recognizes a non-physician for outstanding contributions to health in Canada. She was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by Fishing Lake First Nation for her leadership in education and mental health and was appointed to the Canada National Advisory Committee on Residential Schools for Unmarked Burials and Missing Children. In recognition of her lifelong commitment to justice, reconciliation, and human rights, Brenda Reynolds was named the 2025 UN Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Laureate.