As a proud Two-Spirit Métis, my story is deeply rooted in the land and the histories that shaped my family. I was born in Edmonton and raised near Marlboro, Alberta—once a Métis Settlement. My family names include Belcourt, Callihoo, Gaucher, Plante, Desjarlais, and Delorme, with deep ties to Jasper National Park and the Michel Band, two histories marked by Indigenous displacement.

After graduating from Parkland Composite High School, I pursued Aboriginal Studies at Langara College in Vancouver, where I explored critical themes such as lateral violence, internalized racism, intergenerational trauma, and the importance of bringing one’s whole self to every endeavour. Returning home, I stepped into the world of governance, working at the Alberta Legislature as a Legislative Coordinator and Ministerial Assistant. These roles deepened my understanding of government processes, stakeholder relations, and legislative affairs, ultimately leading me to serve as a campaign manager in the 2023 provincial election.

As someone who has navigated ADHD and Bipolar II, I believe in breaking the stigma around mental health. There is no shame in seeking help—we are all doing our best with the cards we’re dealt. My experiences have reinforced the importance of empathy, resilience, and open conversations about mental well-being, both in personal and professional spaces.

Addictions, often rooted in intergenerational trauma and other complex factors, have deeply impacted my community and my own family. That’s why I am so proud that the Otipemisiwak Métis Government has announced the Healing Waters Recovery Centre in Smoky Lake – a vital step toward culturally grounded healing and recovery.

Last year, I had the privilege of attending the Rural Mental Health Network event at Métis Crossing, where I joined like-minded individuals dedicated to ensuring equitable mental health support in rural communities. More recently, I met with Federal Minister of Health Mark Holland and Alberta’s Health Minister Adriana LaGrange, alongside President Sandmaier and Secretary of Health Bobbi Paul-Alook, to advocate for sustainable funding, culturally safe mental health care, and the elimination of systemic racism in healthcare. I am also honoured to serve on the Minister of Health’s Indigenous Anti-Racism in Health Care Working Group, continuing this important work at a policy level.

Our Department of Health does incredible work, despite being entirely grant-funded. Through programs like the Tobacco Reduction Program, the Opioid Wrap around Program, the Wellness Program, and the Connections in Recovery peer support program, we provide vital support for Métis Citizens struggling with mental health addiction. Our dedicated team—including supports and services navigators, our community wellness advocate, and coordinators—works tirelessly to ensure that individuals can access the care they need, whether within our organization or through trusted external partnerships.

Stronger Together: How the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Peer Support Initiative is Transforming Recovery Celebrating the Success of the Métis Nation within Alberta’s Connections in Recovery – Métis Nation of Alberta

Finally, I want to express my gratitude to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, our Emergency Management Committee, and the Lac Ste. Anne District for their incredible support during the Jasper wildfires. Eligible Citizens received emergency payments, and many Métis individuals stepped up to support their community. We remain committed to Jasper as rebuilding continues.

Looking ahead to 2025, I am eager to build upon the momentum of the Healing Waters Recovery Centre and shape an entire continuum of recovery supports. I am also looking forward to continuing to strengthen mental health and addiction supports for our Métis Citizens through my political advocacy. We are stronger together.