EARLY LIFE: Sonya Nadine Mae Cywink was born on August 19, 1963 in Little Current, Manitoulin Island, Ontario. The second-youngest of Wilfred Laurier Cywink Sr. and Estelle McGregor’s thirteen children, she grew up in a family that deeply loved her and she, them. The Cywink family lived near Whitefish River First Nation, located in northern
Tag: MMIW
EARLY LIFE: Alannah Jamima Cardinal was one of nine children born to her parents. Her family, which included her grandmother Noreen Cardinal, were members of the Whitefish (Goodfish) Lake First Nation, a Cree community located about 185km northeast of Edmonton, Alberta. Growing up, Alannah was said to be an outgoing and smart girl, who was very
EARLY LIFE: Caitlin Potts was from Samson Cree First Nation in Maskwacis, Alberta. She was the daughter of Priscilla Potts and sister to Ashley, Codi and Jeremiah Potts. Up until age 11, Caitlin lived in foster care, despite efforts by Priscilla to try to have her and her siblings returned to her care. While in
EARLY LIFE: Bella Marie Laboucan-McLean grew up in Sturgeon Lake Cree First Nation, located approximately 250km north of Edmonton, Alberta. She had a large family, consisting of her parents, three older sisters and two younger brothers. Bella’s parents are teachers, who over the past three decades have worked to develop Cree curriculum for language revitalization, while
EARLY LIFE: Claudette Osborne-Tyo was born on May 15, 1987. A member of Norway House Cree Nation, she grew up in an area where everyone knew everyone, and where there was a sense those around her had her back. Growing up, Claudette was a tomboy, who loved being around both adults and children her own