Rick Favel was born in Lestock, Saskatchewan and is from Kawacatoose First Nation. Rick was raised by his grandparents from 18 months to the time of their passing. As a child he came in contact with Cree and Saulteaux ceremonies. From the age of six or seven he learned to sing Sioux traditionally at pow-wows.

At the age of 21, Rick showed a renewed enthusiasm for ceremonies. He spent time learning what he could from the Elders of Treaty Four.

Rick has gone to school in Raymore, at the school at Kawacatoose and at Sheldon Williams Collegiate in Regina. He has also studied paint and autobody at SIAST and attended the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College.

It was at SIFC that a position came open to work with the Elders. He has worked as a counsellor at Scott Collegiate for two years and has worked for the last eleven years as Elders' Assistant at the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College. In this position, Rick interprets for the Elders, and acts as a link between the Elders and SIFC staff and students and corporations.

Rick says: "Be proud of who you are."

"Understand your spiritual belief system."