With Deepest Gratitude

Acknowledgements

Open in a Good Way wouldn't exist without the wisdom, generosity, and teachings of the following Elders, Knowledge Holders, and artists. The way you arrive, open in a good way, hold space in a good way, and close in a good way has been my north star. I've been deeply blessed to witness the care and reverence you carry into every room, and to feel how that presence changes the people around you.

The inspiration for this work began over a decade ago when I first witnessed Elder Roberta Price. I'd been in the presence of recording artists, actors, and even the Dalai Lama, and nothing compared to that first experience with her. That sense of grounded, loving presence has continued with every person named here, each in their own distinct and beautiful way of being fully present and deeply connected to those in front of them.

Knowledge Holder

Auntie Diane "Paquette" Arnold

Métis, Cree

Elder

Roberta Price

Coast Salish, Snuneymuxw and Cowichan

Elder, Storyteller

Kung JaaDee

Haida, Musqueam, and Squamish

Knowledge Holder, Healer

Michael Hunt

Kwakwaka'wakw

Knowledge Holder, Healer

Russell Willier

Nehiyaw (Cree)

Knowledge Holder, Facilitator

Brad Marsden

Gitksan

Knowledge Holder

Bear Standing Tall, Jason Carter

Nehiyaw (Cree)

Knowledge Holder

Terry Point

Musqueam

Elder

Woody Morrison

Haida and Cherokee

Knowledge Holder

Sulksun, Shane Pointe

Musqueam

Knowledge Holder, Filmmaker, Musician, Writer

Dennis Allen

Inupiat and Gwich'in

Knowledge Holder

Elaine Alec

Syilx and Secwepemc

Knowledge Holder, Artist

Christine Mackenzie

Kwakwaka'wakw

Knowledge Holder, Artist

Mike Dangeli

Nisga'a, Tlingit, Tsetsaut, and Tsimshian Nations

Knowledge Holder, Storyteller

Henry Schooner

Nuxalk and Tsleil‑Waututh Nations

Artist

Nicole Hurley

St'át'imc Nation

With gratitude for your teachings, stories, and the medicine you carry. My hope is that this app honours even a small part of your wisdom and helps bring it forward in a good way, for everyone who opens in a good way and for the people they walk beside.

Your gift helps keep this tool free and supports the Elders, Knowledge Holders, and artists who make it possible.

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Open In a Good Way was created by Matthew J. Dyck
Copyright 2026