Age: 21

Representing: Naotkamegwanning First Nation

Hometown: Naotkamegwanning First Nation, ON

Born into a world shaped by both Christian teachings and Indigenous roots, they spent their teen years moving through foster care and battling addiction. Teacher Jordan Marchand’s unwavering belief offered a rare source of stability. In 2023, after their kokum passed away, they begun a traditional journey to reclaim language and teachings lost through generations of Residential and Day Schools. Two years later, the passing of their dad deepened their grief but also reignited their healing. Returning to the powwow circle, they found strength and purpose, transforming pain into cultural renewal and resilience.