Meet Ka-odàkedjig

Algonquin Knowledge Carrier
Ottawa and Toronto, ON

Monique Manatch is an Algonquin Knowledge Carrier and member of the Algonquins of Barriere Lake. She is currently a student at Carleton University taking a doctorate program in anthropology focusing on the impact, use and creation of digital arts in the Indigenous community. She holds a master’s degree in Indigenous and Canadian Studies with a specialty in digital humanities and a post-graduate diploma in Indigenous Policy and Administration.

Monique is the founder and Executive Director of Indigenous Culture and Media Innovations, which is dedicated to the skills development of Indigenous communities through the production of media and arts. She has produced several video documentaries highlighting a variety of issues facing Indigenous communities. Her work with Indigenous artists and community members has brought her to partner with communities throughout Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland.

Monique has been supporting HEC’s team since spring 2022.

First Nations Elder
Teslin, Yukon

Dalyce Huot has dedicated three decades to serving the Teslin Tlingit Council in the Health and Social Department in a number of roles – administration, the Meals on Wheels program, Office Manager and as an Acting Director. Her lived experiences drive her efforts to advocate for change in the healthcare system to improve quality, safety, and health outcomes for her family and community. From 2014-2017, Dalyce supported the Council of Yukon First Nations in their Canadian Partnership Against Cancer funded cancer care initiative as a patient representative for Teslin. She currently sits on the Yukon First Nations Cancer Care Project Oversight Committee as a survivor.

Beyond her advocacy work, Dalyce is also a gifted beadwork artist, baker, and loves to spend time on the land with her family.

Dalyce has been supporting HEC’s team since summer 2023.

Inuk Elder
Ottawa, Ontario

Meeka Kakudluk was born in Padloping Island, Nunavut (formerly Northwest Territories) and grew up in Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut. She is a retired teacher and vice-principal who dedicated 37 years of service to the education of youth in Pangnirtung, Qikiqtarjuaq, and Iqaluit.

Meeka completed her Bachelor of Education at McGill University and her Master of Education degree at the University of Prince Edward Island.

Meeka is mom to three children, grandmother to ten grandchildren, and great-grandmother to two great-grandchildren. She has volunteered for a crisis line in Iqaluit for 15 years and is the author of two children’s Inuktitut books. In her free time, Meeka can be found hand-sewing, painting, dancing, and playing her accordion.

Meeka has been supporting HEC’s team since summer 2023.

Métis Elder
Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Bruce Dumont is the former President of the Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) and former Board of Governor at the Métis National Council. He received his education at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, completing a Red Seal designation as an Electronic Technician. He also has experience working in the British Columbia forestry industry and is a Certified Safety Professional, with experience working with the British Columbia Workers’ Compensation Board as an Occupational Safety Officer.

Bruce is now semi-retired but continues to support the community as an Elder with the Cowichan Valley Métis Nation and the Indigenous Lead for Cedars Recovery at Cobble Hill, supporting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in recovery.

Bruce is a proud Mosom (grandfather) and “Papa Bruce” to twelve grandchildren and is passionate about sharing his family’s stories and history. He believes Métis youth are the future of their communities and strives to support youth to carry on Métis traditions and culture.

Bruce has been supporting HEC’s team since summer 2023.

Truth and Reconciliation Coach
Grande Prairie, Alberta

Shannon Dunfield lives in Grande Prairie, Alberta on the Treaty 8 Territory with her husband and two children. Although Grande Prairie is home, her heart belongs to her home community of Kelly Lake, British Columbia where she grew up on the land with her family. Her heritage is Cree, Beaver, Mohawk, and Métis, and she is a proud Citizen of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta.

Shannon has a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University. For over five years she supported healthcare for First Nations and Métis communities in northern Alberta as the Manager of Indigenous Health and Diversity for the North Zone Indigenous Health Program. In September 2023 she was acclaimed the Citizens Representative of District 13 of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of Alberta. She was named Secretary of Records and is honoured to work for her community in this role.

Shannon is also a passionate volunteer, currently sitting as Chair of the Indigenous Sport Council Alberta, Past President of North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) Council, Chair of the 2027 NAIG Host Society, and former Senator at the University of Alberta.

Shannon has been supporting HEC’s team since summer 2023.