Métis Culture and Identity 

I am a proud member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. I honour my ancestry through approaching life (both its challenges and triumphs) in a good way. My mom has been an incredible trailblazer for our family in seeking out our history and ancestry, and has involved us in many incredible opportunities to connect. We have had the joys of dancing, as seen below, as well as attended sundances (a couple of which I had the great honour of being a tree girl). I am grateful for the learning and knowledge I have gained thus far in relation to my heritage, and look forward to continued learning and discovery. As an educator, my heritage will be integral to my practice; when appropriate, I wish to invigorate the thoughts of my students, to allow the beat of the drum to beat in their hearts as it does mine, to acquaint them with the rich aromas of sage and sweetgrass, and to bundle them in the love and relation that my peoples have to offer. I believe that Indigenous wisdom and ways of knowing should be respected and embraced, Indigenous traditions and practices should be integrated, Indigenous learners should be supported, and Indigenous perspectives and identities should be honored. As educators, we must foster relationships with students built on honour, respect, and understanding.