Melissa is Anishinaabekwe and a member of Batchewana First Nation, mukwa (bear) clan with mixed European ancestry. Her passion to build community, connect with the land, and share lived experiences and knowledge in a meaningful way is what brought her to Indigenous Women Outdoors where she joined in 2020. As a Program Lead, she has started and led both the snowshoeing and trail running programs. She has served a term on the Board of Directors, and organizes special events with IWO including harvesting, yoga, hiking, and walking events.
She is currently living as a visitor on the traditional territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) with her husband and two kids. When she is out on the land, Melissa enjoys spending time mountain biking and navigating the vast network of trails by foot. She loves spending time with her beads and in the garden, and she is learning Anishinaabemowin.
She’s looking forward to meeting other Indigenous women* and to form meaningful, lasting relationships. Ambe-agwajiing (let’s go outside)!
