A Letter from IWO's Founder and Transitioning Executive Director, Myia
Dear friends, family, and supporters,
It is with deep gratitude and a full heart that I share my decision to step away from my role at Indigenous Women Outdoors.
IWO began as a dream in my heart long before its official start in 2020. As I shared this vision with others, I came to realize it was not just my dream—it was a collective one. It grew into a community vision, carried forward by many hands and hearts. I was fortunate to walk alongside incredible women and allies who helped shape it into what it is today. Sandy, Michele, and Melissa—your leadership and energy helped elevate this work beyond what I could have imagined. Our first Board of Directors and supporters like Jaime Hill from Hilltop Mountain Biking also played a vital role in getting IWO off the ground. Together, we made space where we had long been told we didn’t belong. We made room on the land, for ourselves and for others, to return home.
I have loved every moment of this journey—being a voice for myself and for others in spaces that historically didn’t welcome us, and helping to carve out space where we belong. Being on the land is where I am meant to be, where we are all meant to be. IWO has been one way to help our communities reconnect to that truth.
Now, I feel honoured to be stepping away, knowing that the organization is in strong, capable hands with our new Executive Director, Aiyana Anderson-MacIsaac. I never imagined I would get to this point, but as a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh language speaker and teacher, I’ve come to understand that my time and energy can no longer be split. My heart is calling me to focus fully on our language, our stories, and our teachings.
Thank you to everyone who helped breathe life into this vision. To my friends and family who held space for me through late nights and long days—thank you. And to Dustin and Máḵa7ay̓nexw, thank you for allowing me the time away to do this work. I look forward to being home with you more.
This is not goodbye—it’s a shift, a new chapter. I will always be part of the IWO circle, cheering you all on with love and pride. As well as working on bringing more Cultural programming to the organization as a Program Lead.
Huy cháyap a, thank you all,
Myia Antone (Welwál̓tenaat)
A Letter from IWO's New Executive Director, Aiyana
Dear Community, Partners, and Friends,
With immense gratitude and warmth, I am writing to share that I’ve stepped into the role of Executive Director at Indigenous Women Outdoors (IWO).
For those I haven’t met, my name is Aiyana. I am Cree on my mother’s side from Whitefish Lake in Alberta, and Scottish on my father’s side. I was first introduced to IWO in 2020, and since then, the organization has become a core part of my life. Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a Board member and more recently running programming throughout the winter season. The community we’ve built here at IWO is incredibly special to me, and I am honored to take on this new responsibility.
My professional background is in project management and business analysis, with experience across tech startups, retail, and non-profits. I specialize in digital marketing, business development, and operational strategy. In my work, I focus on creating systems that support growth, sustainability, and strong relationships—both within organizations and with the communities they serve.
I am passionate about building spaces that uplift Indigenous women*, support their goals, and celebrate culture in the outdoors. I want to ensure our programming continues to be a safe and accessible place of healing, leadership, and connection.
At the core of my leadership is a people-first approach rooted in cultural safety, care, and collaboration. I have learned so much from the kindness and strength of Myia, Sandy, and the entire IWO team. As we grow, I am committed to carrying those values forward and cultivating spaces where Indigenous women* feel supported and seen.
Thank you to everyone who has supported both myself and IWO on this path and placed your trust in me to lead the organization into its next chapters. I’m looking forward to connecting with many of you in the months ahead as we continue to build this work together.
Kinanâskomitin/ᑭᓇᓈᐢᑯᒥᑎᐣ/With gratitude,
Aiyana Anderson-MacIsaac
