I am guided by the traditional teachings that have made me who I am today. I see everyone as a person and recognize that we all come from different walks of life. My Grandma always told us to celebrate our differences. I was proud to be involved with the UN launch of the decade of Indigenous languages hosted by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. At Michif Cultural Connections, we deliver Métis workshops such as moccasin making and Michif language to provide access to our Métis culture and traditions. At the Centre for Race and Culture, I am involved with program development, including a speaker series that highlights Indigenous peoples’ experiences within what is now Canada and a Youth Leadership program that focuses on Indigenous Solidarity. I also facilitate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion workshops, bringing an Indigenous voice and perspective.

The colonial power called Canada needs to recognize Indigenous nations as sovereign by fully implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action. Even so, this is just a starting point for Indigenous peoples to feel like equity exists in what is now Canada. This will only be possible if the colonial powers lift their hands off our decision-making ability and begin to walk with us. There is still much to be done within children’s services, infrastructure in Indigenous communities, the continued clean water advisories, the missing and murdered Indigenous women inquiry and the uncovering of unmarked graves across this land.