Father we are thankful for MLA Nahanni Fontaine. Give her the ability to understand the complex ties that face the people of the St. John’s area. We pray that you would be her strength, support and encouragement at this time. Fill her heart with your grace and peace and may her family be aware of your love for them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
As a young girl and teen, Nahanni Fontaine made Winnipeg’s North End her home. Since then she has since spent much of her political activism and career strengthening the voices of Indigenous women and girls. Before entering politics, Nahanni worked as Special Advisor on Aboriginal Women’s Issues for the Indigenous Issues Committee of Cabinet of Manitoba, with a special focus on Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). She also worked as an Environmental Researcher for Sagkeeng First Nation and taught in the Native Studies department at the University of Manitoba. Nationally, her work has been at the forefront of raising awareness on MMIWG, while locally, she has coordinated an unprecedented network of advocacy and support for MMIWG families. For this work, she was honoured with the Governor-General’s Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case in 2013.