I am a registered social worker (MSW), a traditional Indigenous hand drummer, singer-songwriter, workshop facilitator and public speaker.
My work is rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems, relational practice, and holistic approaches to wellness.
Through workshops, performances, and public speaking, I create spaces that foster connection, healing, and empowerment for individuals and communities.
• MSW, RSW • Traditional Indigenous Hand Drummer • Singer-Songwriter • Facilitator • Speaker
• MSW, RSW • Traditional Indigenous Hand Drummer • Singer-Songwriter • Facilitator • Speaker
About Me
Tansi, Hi!
I am Folashade Kortee, a proud Métis-Cree and Nigerian woman. My Métis-Cree identity is matrilineal, rooted in my family through my mother. My kokom was raised in Kâ-ministiko-minahikoskâhk (Cumberland House, SK), and this connection continues to shape my relationship to culture, community, and the Land.
I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work specializing in Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Kinesiology and Health Sciences from York University, and I am a Registered Social Worker (OCSWSSW).
My work is shaped by my cultural background and lived experience. I am a traditional hand drum carrier and singer-songwriter, and I strive to honor ancestral knowledge, cultural teachings, and creative practice in the way I work and show up with others.
I dedicate my professional life to supporting wellness through Indigenous worldviews and culturally grounded, trauma-informed care, creating spaces where healing is nurtured and cultural connection is respected.
My Story
I was raised by my father in Toronto Community Housing, growing up between worlds - as an Indigenous person, a second-generation Canadian, and a Black woman. From a young age, I often found myself as the only Indigenous and Black person in spaces like classrooms, lifeguarding jobs, and academic institutions.
Navigating those spaces taught me a lot about resilience, perspective, and the importance of inclusion. It’s what drives me to advocate for marginalized voices, create spaces that welcome people fully, and approach my work with listening, care, and cultural understanding.
In 2018, I joined a hand drumming group for Indigenous women - I found community and parts of myself I didn’t realize I was missing. Since then, hand drumming, ceremony, and music have become vital parts of how I live, heal, and support others.
One of the most meaningful moments in my life was helping my mother - a Sixties Scoop survivor - reconnect with my kokom. That reunion deepened my understanding of the importance of cultural connection and intergenerational healing. It also strengthened my commitment to walking alongside others as they reclaim their own cultural identity and connection to the Land.
My values are grounded in:
Cultural Integrity Respecting decolonial and Indigenous ways of knowing
Community Care Creating accessible, inclusive, and welcoming spaces
Empowerment Supporting people to honor who they are, express themselves, and grow meaningful relationships
Advocacy Challenging systemic inequities in mental health, education, and beyond
My Philosophy & Values
At the heart of my work is a commitment to wellness, culture, advocacy, and healing. Growing up as a Black and Indigenous woman in social housing, I’ve seen firsthand how identity, culture, and social conditions shape mental health and access to care. These experiences guide how I understand and support wellness, while also recognizing that every person’s path is shaped by intersecting factors - culture, race, gender, socioeconomic status, and the broader social determinants of health.
I draw strength from my own journey, and use that perspective to hold space for others. I believe meaningful healing comes from honoring each person’s identity and context, and that mental health conversations must reflect the full complexity of people’s lived realities.
I carry my roles as a Registered Social Worker, traditional drum carrier, and singer-songwriter with care and intention, integrating lessons from each into everything I do.
I am continually inspired by those I work with: students, Elders, collaborators, and community members. I strive to make sure that my work is rooted in relationship, accountability, and love for the communities I serve.
Services / Work With Me
I’m passionate about creating spaces where wellness, culture, and creative expression intersect, guided by Black and Indigenous worldviews and an intersectional approach to care. Drawing on both my clinical knowledge and lived experience, I offer workshops, presentations, and performances that center healing, connection, and empowerment.
Take a look at my core services below - I’d love to explore how we can work together to support meaningful growth and community!
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I facilitate interactive and accessible education and dialogue that decolonize mental health conversations and uplift Indigenous knowledge systems. Topics include:
Indigenous models of wellness and community care
Decolonizing trauma and healing through cultural reconnection
Land-based healing and the importance of ceremony, drumming, and song
Creating safer spaces for Black and Indigenous wellness in academic and professional settings
Whether you're seeking an engaging workshop, a keynote speaker, or a collaborative panelist, I bring lived experience, clinical insight, and cultural grounding to every space I enter.
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As a traditional hand drum carrier, I lead circles, facilitation sessions, and workshops that share the teachings and cultural significance of hand drumming. This includes hand drum making workshops, where participants learn to build their own drums while exploring the deep cultural meaning behind the practice.
These sessions cultivate connection to culture, ceremony, and community wellness.
Whether in-person or virtual, I create inclusive spaces where participants can engage with Indigenous traditions in meaningful ways.
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I perform as a singer-songwriter, sharing original music inspired by experiences of healing and resilience. With my debut single Fola - Alive released and more music in progress, I bring heartfelt performances that connect and inspire.
I also facilitate creative workshops blending music, storytelling, and cultural expression to empower participants. Through live and virtual performances and meaningful collaborations with community organizations, I strive to amplify marginalized voices and celebrate cultural identity.
From the 2024 'Black and Indigenous Wellness Series' by Spirit of Kinship collective, which I co-founded
Contact Me
Want to collaborate? Just share a few details, and I'll be in touch soon. I look forward to connecting with you!
