Melissa is Anishinaabe Kwe from the Ojibway Nation with unknown European ancestry. Her family is from the community of Batchewana, located within the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850. She is proud to be Indigenous and is on a journey to reclaim her culture. She has taught herself how to bead and is actively learning Anishinaabemowin; she hopes that her children will grow up with these cultural teachings and can pass it on to future generations.
When she is outdoors, Melissa loves spending time on her mountain bike and running, navigating the vast network of trails located in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh. She has recently started snowshoeing, thanks to Indigenous Women Outdoors, and she’s looking forward to re-exploring more winter activities.
Building community, connecting with the land, and sharing lived experiences & knowledge in meaningful a way are some of the reasons why Melissa is passionate about being involved with Indigenous Women Outdoors. She’s looking forward to meeting other Indigenous women* and to forming meaningful lasting relationships. Ambe-agwajiing (let’s go outside)!
