PWPSD's Andrea Rosenberger-Deleeuw with Métis National Council President Cassidy Caron, and renowned Métis fiddler Brianna Lizotte.
On June 23 and 24, Peace Wapiti Public School Division (PWPSD)’s Andrea Rosenberger-Deleeuw, Indigenous Education Services Provider, attended the inaugural Matriarch Summit in Winnipeg, Manitoba as a personal guest of Nahanni Fontaine, Indigenous Advocate and Member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.
The two-day event, which welcomed over 200 Indigenous Matriarchs, aimed at centering and celebrating Indigenous Matriarchs’ excellence, strength, and leadership. According to a press release published by the organizers, “Matriarchs [who attended], from coast-to-coast-to-coast, [included] artists, athletes, small business entrepreneurs, elected leaders, political representatives, lawyers, justices, scientists, healers, authors, filmmakers, grassroots organizers, land protectors, justice advocates and Elders.”
Rosenberger-Deleeuw says she was completely surprised by the personal invitation, but was thrilled to have the opportunity to connect with so many brilliant Indigenous women, girls, two-spirited and gender diverse trailblazers. “One takeaway I am carrying with me from the event is the reminder to uplift and encourage one another. Nahanni’s determination and strength is inspirational, and I hope to keep a little of that in my heart going forward.”
She says spending time in Treaty One Territory opened her eyes to new possibilities for things she hopes to incorporate into her community involvement and work as a PWPSD Indigenous Education Services Provider.
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