About Hanú
About Hanú
Born through water and earth as Jeffrey, reborn through fire and wind as Hanú. With ancestral roots spanning French Canadian, European, and Algonquin lineages, my path is deeply woven with the traditions of the Amazon and the spiritual teachings of indigenous lineages across the North, South, East, and West.
As a father, stepfather, devoted partner, Sacred Medicine and Pipe carrier, builder, artist, and visionary, I humbly bring forth the wisdom of sacred plants through intentional offerings that support deep healing and self-discovery.
I grew up in Ottawa and, in my early twenties, trained as a Gas Pipe Fitter. In 2004, I founded and ran a Heating & Air Conditioning company, Gas Man Ottawa, until 2021. My early years were spent on the hockey rinks of Ottawa and exploring the forests near the Ottawa River, collecting bugs and salamanders. To this day, I lace up my skates in an adult league with old friends and feel at home in the forests wherever I roam. I look forward to sharing this love of nature with my son, Teo, as he grows.
My journey with sacred plant medicine began around 2019, sparking a deep calling that led to a life-changing inner and geographical pilgrimage. In early 2021, I traveled alone to Costa Rica, spending a deeply transformational month at the Sat Yoga Institute Ashram before journeying across the country, guided only by intuition. On my way home, I visited Mexico, and in the heart of the Mayan jungle in Muna, Yucatán, I experienced a profound realization: my soul was calling me to stay, to leave behind my life in Canada—including my first marriage, home, and business.
Immersing myself in the landscapes of Mérida, Acapulco, and beyond, I connected deeply with the wisdom of the Maya and Wixárika cultures. My journey continued through Guatemala, Costa Rica, Brazil, and the U.S., where I received powerful initiations from various traditions, lands, and plant and animal spirits. In January 2022, a vision quest in the Sedona desert led me back to Mexico, where I underwent an intense spiritual initiation with the Tobacco Spirit.
Emerging from the fire—raw and open—In early March, I journeyed to the shores of Lake Atitlán, San Marcos, Guatemala, surrounded by towering volcanoes and ancient Mayan culture. There, I met Mama Cacao and her gentle, warm, and tender spirit. She guided me in integrating the powerful Tobacco medicine, helping me to soften it into my heart.
Spirit and the plants continued to lead me, guiding me to meet the Yawanawa, Kuntanawa, and Huni Kuin indigenous tribes of Brazil. In June, I had the opportunity to visit the Amazon, where I spent five profound weeks journeying through the jungles and towns of the State of Acre, deepening my studies and connection with the land, people and medicines.
In July, I returned to Mexico, and by August, I began the journey north—without knowing exactly where it would lead. Over the next five months, I traveled through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. It was an unforgettable journey, filled with countless new friendships and experiences—stories that could fill a book. Perhaps one day, I will write it.
After driving over 40,000 km, towing a small camper in my trusted Dodge Ram, “Thunderbird,” I returned to Canada in early 2023 with a new name, Hanú, and a renewed purpose. The integration of such a profound journey has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. The most transformative experience of all came in May 2024—the free birth of my first son. It was a sacred ceremony held at home, where I bore witness to my partner Kristina and the raw, awe-inspiring power of the mother as she brought life into the world.
As my journey continues, I remain devoted to walking the path of spirit, guided by the wisdom of the land, the medicine, and the teachings of my ancestors. Each experience has shaped me, deepened my purpose, and strengthened my commitment to service. With gratitude in my heart, I embrace this unfolding path—honoring the sacred, sharing in community, and holding space for healing, transformation, and connection.
HAUX HAUX
(haush haush)
Hanú
