Darren Rea -Wâsaskotepayiw Maskwa

Born and raised in Mohkinstis (Calgary), Treaty 7 Territory, lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Darren Rea is of Cree/Métis descent, whose unique work bridges art, facilitation, and cultural connection. With roots tracing back to his mother’s community near Lac St. Anne (Spirit Lake) in Alberta, Darren’s upbringing was deeply influenced by nature, especially, the beautiful Alberta mountains.

Darren holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Innovation from the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary. His academic foundation provides a solid framework for his work, which spans digital and acrylic art, poetry, sharing circles, and holistic-healing sound baths.

Darren’s facilitation journey began with volunteering at the University of Calgary, where he hosted sharing circles and gained invaluable experience in holding space for transformative conversations. Today, Darren offers facilitation services that include therapeutic sound baths, sharing circles, & nature walks, all of which serve to empower individuals, groups, and corporations, and create opportunities for participants to deepen connections with themselves and others.

Operating as a freelance consultant, Darren provides free support to Indigenous and Métis artists and entrepreneurs through MIHETI (meaning "Bear Heart" in Cree, symbolizes courage and heart in entrepreneurship). In this work, Darren supports business projects and consulting services to promote well-being and abundance in communities. Darren creates digital art, acrylic paintings, and poetry that reflect his connection to nature, community, and spirituality. Much of his work is gifted in a desire to share healing and inspiration through creative expression, and connecting people to meaningful stories and experiences. His artwork can be found on Light Now.

Throughout his journey of reconnection, Darren is most passionate about facilitating transformation—whether through community gatherings, sharing circles, or artistic expression. He believes in the power of relationships rooted in respect, and strengthened through ceremony and dialogue. Darren is grateful to work, live, and play on Mohkinstis, Treaty 7 Territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy, alongside the beautiful people with whom he builds good relations.

His partnership with Forum Community Relations and Anne Harding is especially meaningful. Anne and Darren met in 2022 at a faith gathering they were both supporting, and have had a connection ever since.