2023 RECAP

2023: A Year of Impactful Engagements and Inspirational Achievements

As we reflect on 2023, it's invigorating to see the strides made and the milestones achieved. This year has been a remarkable journey of growth, advocacy, and leadership, marked by significant contributions in various spheres. Here's a recap of my most notable engagements and achievements throughout this dynamic year:

JANUARY

A young man with dark hair and stubble, wearing a blue and white knit beanie and an olive green cable-knit sweater, stands outdoors with a city skyline in the background.

  • Became an Intercultural Leader at the U of M.

  • Joined the Indigenous Student Advisory Circle at U of M.

  • Selected as a CEOx1Day finalist and visited Odger Berndtson in Toronto.

  • Launched Heartwarmers.

  • Elected Co-President of Metis University Students Association at U of M.

FEBRUARY

A man standing on red rocks in Monument Valley with iconic buttes in the background, wearing sunglasses, a leather jacket, and jeans.

  • Joined the Advancement Digital and Professional Training (ADAPT) program.

  • Consulted with Native Americans in Arizona.

  • Participated in Model Senate 2023.

  • Launched IndigenousFilmArchive.com

  • Joined the Manitoba Youth Advisory Council on Environment.

  • Initiated Spirit Wellness Kits with support from We Matter.

MARCH

A man smiling wearing sunglasses and a brown jacket el falling at a snowy mountainous landscape with a frozen lake and evergreen trees in the foreground.

  • Joined the cohort for the Arctic Symposium in Anchorage, Alaska.

  • Became part of the CanStudyUS Home and Away Fellowship 2023.

APRIL

A smiling man wearing sunglasses and a light gray suit with a shirt, standing outdoors against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and a clear blue sky.

  • Presented at the Canadian Roots Exchange’s Gathering in Banff, AB.

  • Selected for the 2023 Youth in Development Fellowship at Impact Toolbox.

MAY

A man wearing a light gray suit stands in front of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., with green trees on either side and a blue sky with some clouds overhead.

  • Visited Washington, DC, with the DAIS at TMU.

  • Attended the 2023 Inspire Awards in Edmonton, AB, as an Indspire Laureate.

JUNE

A young man with dark, curly hair, beard, and light skin is smiling while standing at a podium with a microphone, wearing a light gray blazer and a patterned shirt, speaking or presenting.

  • Joined the 5th cohort of the President’s Student Leadership Program.

  • Honoured as a recipient of the RBC Future Launch Scholarship for Indigenous Youth.

  • Discussed my scholarship and personal story on CBC Radio Noon Manitoba.

  • Participated in the Canadian Federation of Students’ National Executive Onboarding in Ottawa, ON.

  • Spoke at the Cando Annual National Youth Panel in Membertou, Nova Scotia.

JULY

An emblem with a large letter 'A' inside a circle, the letters 'IFA' beneath the A, all on a brown background.

  • Interviewed on CBC’s Weekend Morning Show about Indigenous Film Archive.

A woman with long dark hair and a teal jacket sitting next to a man with curly hair and a black T-shirt, both smiling during a video call. The woman's background features logos and text, while the man's background shows a modern, minimalist room with artwork on the wall.

AUGUST

  • Had a Fireside Chat with Taking IT Global.

SEPTEMBER

Five people sitting on white chairs on a stage, engaging in a panel discussion. They are dressed in colorful, casual, and cultural attire. The background includes vibrant abstract yellow and purple patterns.

  • Participated in the Reconciliation in Business Conference at Toronto Metropolitan University.

  • Became part of the University of Manitoba’s Sustainability in Academics Advisory Committee.

  • Contributed to the "Youth is Future" panel at Forward Summit East 2023, Rama, Ontario.

OCTOBER

A stylized logo featuring a flame with shades of orange and yellow, enclosed within a circular outline.

  • Selected for St. John’s Ambulance’s Canadian Youth Advisory Network Committee.

  • Joined the Home Depot Canada Foundation’s National Youth Advisory Committee.

  • Engaged in Indigenous Youth Advocacy Week with Indigenous Youth Roots.

  • Began my journey as a Student Research Assistant with the National Centre of Truth and Reconciliation.

NOVEMBER

A man in a gray suit giving a presentation at a podium with a microphone, against a wooden backdrop with abstract gray geometric wall art and warm lighting.

  • Imagining 2080 Conference: Delved into futuristic insights at McMaster University, Hamilton, ON.

  • Indspire’s National Gathering: Proudly presented at this Indigenous educators' conference in Montreal, QC.

  • Youth Parliament Nuclear Summit: Shared my perspectives at the Senate of Canada, Ottawa, ON.

  • Funding Our Future Conference: Spoke on crucial financial topics at the Ontario Confederation of Faculty Associations in Toronto, ON.

DECEMBER

A man in a gray suit standing at a beige podium with a green Holiday Inn sign, next to a Turkish flag, presenting at a conference with a blue and white screen displaying the word 'International' and colorful figures in the background.

This year has been a testament to the power of dedication, advocacy, and the relentless pursuit of growth. Each of these experiences has contributed to a profound journey of learning and leading, shaping a path towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.

As we look ahead to 2024, I am filled with anticipation for the new opportunities and challenges it will bring, and I am committed to continuing this journey with the same zeal and passion that have marked the year 2023.

  • Travelled to Türkiye to attend the International Diplomats Conference, where I was presented with the Peace Award.

  • Celebrated my 25th Birthday!