b'STRAWBERRY MOONalways on my mind and in my heart, and aOne of her proudest accomplishmentsboardroomsbut other times it was very big part of my work as a journalist, she says.was the creation of Keewatinohk Inniniwovert and I had to call it out. There was When I walked into my first day with theMinoayawin Inc. (KIM), an Indigenous-ledmisogyny, too. Calling that out never felt Grand Chief, I told him Im bringing thishealth organization designed to servegood, but I knew I had to. I felt it was my work with me, and he was on board. northern communities more effectively byresponsibility to speak up, even when it focusing on health care equity and fillingwas uncomfortable.Her work at AMC proved impactful: shegaps in the system. KIMs development coined and popularized the hashtag #MMIWwas an initiative North pursued from theThis mix of talent, persistence and couragea quick and effective way to communicatestart of her election, and was successfullyis what has propelled Norths still-evolving this important message and get everyonelaunched after securing $48 million incareer. Its also what has made her a role connected and talking about it at thefederal funding. model for the next generation of women same time. leaders, entrepreneurs and storytellers. Norths term as Grand Chief ended inWhat makes me really happy to hear is When her role at AMC ended due to federal2018, but her work as an advocate andwhen peopleespecially young womencuts, North returned to CTV Winnipeg tostoryteller continued. In 2021, she achievedtell me they arent afraid to consider leader-reignite her career in journalism. a lifelong dream of becoming a newsship now because of what theyve seen me anchor by becoming host of CBC Winnipegdo. Theyre less hesitant to jump in.RAISING HER PROFILE News Late Night. I was so elated when IAs for choosing a path, Norths advice is realized I achieved my dream, she says. In 2015, North was presented with a life- But I also realized there is much more lifesimple: I always tell young people to look changing opportunity: to run for Grandahead beyond the dream job. In recentback at what they were good at growing up. Chief of MKO. I knew it was my respon- years, shes built on that dream acrossThats often a clue to what you can excel sibility to give back to my community, and Inumerous roles, such as co-producing theat in your career and life. For me, it was took that seriously. So, we ran, we won, andacclaimed documentary 1200+, publishingstorytelling and inviting people in.I became the firstand still onlyfemaleher memoir My Privilege, My Responsibility Grand Chief of Keewatinowi Okimakanak. (2021) and becoming the WinnipegAnd be strong, she adds. Dont be Police Services first external Indigenousafraid to stand where they need to, and to Her tenure was marked by renewal andrelations advisor. blossom where they find themselves. Ive reform. Under her leadership, MKOoften felt inadequate in my career, but I strengthened its internal foundation,Norths journey has not been easy, shestood up anyway to say what needs to be implemented stronger policies and financialsays. Racism is really heartbreaking andsaid. I dont always get it right, but I make controls, embedded greater transparencyso difficult to deal with, she reflects.the effort and dont take those opportun-and achieved significant financial gains.For me, sometimes it was subtlelike inities for granted. Cheyenne VandermeerThe FirstGaakinawataagizod of Treaty #3Cheyenne Vandermeer ofAs Gaakinawataagizod, Cheyenne Couchiching First Nationis dedicated to strengthening made history as the firstTreaty #3 by fostering Gaakinawataagizod, Deputy Grandcollaboration, advocating for Chief of Treaty #3, selected throughequitable support systems, and the Traditional Selection process atupholding Anishinaabe values. Her Manitou Mounds Roundhouse onappointment marks a new chapter May 7, 2024. This role was createdin Treaty #3 governance, ensuring to assist the Ogichidaa in managinga future rooted in tradition, Treaty #3 leaderships growingleadership, and meaningful change.responsibilities, ensuring effective representation across organizations and events. The Gaakinawataagizod serves at the discretion of the Ogichidaa/kwe, preserving unity and authority within the nation.Ontario Native Womens Association29'