Our Youth

Joshua Hunt

Joshua graduated from the Red River College Design program where he found his passion and experience in the arena of marketing by developing brand identity, web design and illustration. Joshua was hired with the Indigenous Relations Division in December 2017 and served a one year term as the Indigenous Public Information Assistant, ending December 2018.

Joshua lent his many gifts of graphic design and artistic vision to various initiatives with the division, including redesigning the Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak Newsletter. Joshua presented on behalf of the division at many events and shared the story of his journey while learning to walk Traditional way of life.

Diandre Thomas-Hart — Intergovernmental Project Assistant

Tansi,
Diandre Thomas-Hart is a young Indigenous leader from Treaty #1 Territory, Winnipeg, MB. A member of the Mayor’s Indigenous Advisory Circle, Diandre is a committed volunteer for the Canadian Roots Exchange’s Youth Reconciliation Initiative.  Diandre was on a work placement in high school  for the Indigenous Relations Division and her job included a variety of duties such as clerical work and graphic design. Once employed within the Indigenous Relations Division as the Intergovernmental Project Assistant, her goals are to work in Government and become a Producer for Indigenous Storytelling, strive to share reconciliation, promote cultural identity and raise awareness of Indigenous issues throughout Canada."
Ekosi

Angela Flett

Angela completed a work placement with the Indigenous Relations Division in 2017. Angela was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba and grew up taking opportunities and being committed to volunteering. She started volunteering for Manitoba Students Working Against Tobacco (S.W.A.T.) in 2015 to help spread awareness on the health risks and addictive qualities of tobacco use in hopes to help smoke prevention.

With volunteer experience she hopes to learn more about Indigenous culture and more about the City of Winnipeg while gaining skills that will help her help others.

Jessica Williams — Public Information Assistant

Jessica Williams has always had a passion for helping others. She has volunteered with charities such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), for over eleven years. She has given speeches for JDRF at special events, to University classes, to Members of Parliament, and to Members of the Manitoba Legislature.

With help from the Manitoba Metis Federation, Jessica graduated from the Creative Communications program at Red River College where she learned journalism, advertising, public relations, and media production. Her goal is to work with a non-profit organization.

She now works in the Indigenous Relations Division as the Indigenous Public Information Assistant. She works with Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak to promote and raise awareness about programs and awards while supporting the development and implementation of Indigenous Relations Division's communications. She attends community events, gives presentations at schools, and liaisons with Corporate Communications.

She hopes to learn more about Indigenous culture while gaining skills that will help her help others.

Olly King

Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Olly King grew up dreaming of becoming a filmmaker. Starting his career at 15, with the fundamentals of video production from high school courses, Olly began making his own YouTube and web content. Gaining positive feedback from these videos inspired him to continue his journey to becoming a director and producer while still fostering his talents as a writer. In 2014, Olly moved to Winnipeg to attend a film course called the Nu Media program. In that year he also worked as a journalist writing for Grassroots News and Views.

In the three years since completing his first film program, Olly has also completed the Adam Beach Film Institute & Red River College’s ‘Enhanced Filmmaking Skills and Techniques’ program and The National Screen Institute of Canada’s New Voices program in 2015 and 2016 respectively. Olly currently is a member of the Winnipeg Film Group, Manitoba Writers Guild, Indigenous Filmmakers Association, Aboriginal Filmmakers Collective and has screened films at Gimli Film Fest and the Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival. Recently CBC produced a documentary about Olly’s life titled ‘Call Me Olly’ and can be seen online at CBC.ca/ShortDocs and continues to work on new projects.

Lenny McKay — Audit Intern

A recent graduate, Lenny is an intern currently working with the City of Winnipeg's Audit Department. He has been responsible for reviewing and suggesting improvements to the Department's performance reporting, as well as, engaging in preliminary research with the other members of the Audit department. The skills and perspectives Lenny is able to bring to the Audit Department are perfectly matched with the knowledge the internship is able to provide him.

An alumnus of the University of Manitoba – Asper School of Business, Lenny is applying a wide variety of the organizational and research skills he has acquired throughout university. The research and reporting capabilities developed in his studies, has allowed Lenny to draft reports from research and analyze policies and standards to aid the Audit Department in diverse ways.

In the future, Lenny will like to take the abilities he has gained through his experiences with the Audit Department and apply them to non-profit and community organizations. The chance to work with the department, has provided him with increased knowledge of policy analysis and how to make recommendations that lead to greater efficiency and better operations. These skills will hopefully allow him to work towards better communities.

Justin Resendes — Finance Intern

Graduating from the University of Winnipeg in 2014 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Economics, Justin is currently doing an internship in the City of Winnipeg's Corporate Finance Department, Purchasing Division. Interested in the public sector, he is learning the works of running a city. All of the items used by the City and City projects come through the Purchasing Division from transit busses, road work to photocopiers. He is working with and helping people with day-to-day activities such as bid opportunities and learning about the evaluation process. He enjoys working with the Manager of Materials and Contracts Supervisor who are eager to teach about contract writing, management, buying and procurement. Justin strives to gain a full-time position with the City. "I would encourage all Indigenous youth to take advantage of this great internship program and to pursue post-secondary education as it will change your life for the better."

Laninia Higheagle — Clerical Intern

As a determined young woman Laninia aimed at the opportunity for a summer-student position with the City of Winnipeg's HR Division. During her time in HR, she was offered another great opportunity to provide support to the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and Winnipeg Police Service Summer Career Weeks through Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak. She gained valuable experience in coordinating activities and supporting youth within the community. Being involved in the Summer Career Weeks opened more doors for her, including a clerical internship with the Indigenous Relations Division. Her involvement included general office duties, support with the City's Career Symposium, the City's Aboriginal Employee Group Forum and the annual Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak Celebration.

Currently, she is a member of the Intergovernmental Strategic Aboriginal Alignment working group where she is developing her knowledge and experience working with all levels of government. "I feel truly honoured and privileged to be able to participate and be a part of the Indigenous Relations Division team. I cannot thank them enough for the opportunities I've been given," said Laninia.

Jared Bone — Video Intern

Jared was a video intern at the City of Winnipeg's Indigenous Relations Division. His responsibilities included writing, filming, and editing videos to engage youth in current opportunities offered by Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak as well as highlighting the successes of the Indigenous Relations Division.

2013 marks the year Jared decided to pursue his passion for multimedia. Despite many bumps in the road he has managed to take part in several video shoots such as music videos, short films, promotional videos, and a documentary. Jared is now working in the film industry in Toronto.

Chantal Traverse — Communications Intern

As an accomplished, ambitious, and kind-hearted young woman, Chantal Traverse joined Indigenous Relations as a work placement from one of OAN's partner organizations, taking on the role of Clerk A. In this role she received hands-on experience that increased her communication, creative, and organizational skills. Some of her main duties included clerical work, preparing agendas, and writing minutes for meetings. Afterwards, she was offered a summer job with the City of Winnipeg.

During her time as a summer worker, she discovered and pursued the opportunity of becoming a Communications Intern. She supported the development and implementation of the Indigenous Relations Division's Communications Strategy while attending community events and liaisons with Corporate Communications. Chantal is now living in Vancouver, pursuing a career within the Provincial Government.

Andre Man — Finance Intern

A graduate from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Commerce, Andre majored in Marketing and Supply Chain Management. As a student he was part of the Aboriginal Business Education Partners (ABEP), and the Association of Aboriginal Commerce Students as the First Year Representative. During his time in university he started his very own business and won a Manitoba Aboriginal Youth Achievement Award for Entrepreneurship!

He was an intern in the Corporate Finance Department at the City of Winnipeg. He was involved on two projects in the Infrastructure Planning Division that will affect all departments across the City in positive ways, and spent a majority of his time researching and comparing how the City of Winnipeg and other cities operate their corporate stores.

Since then, Andre went on to an internship with Strategic Services, Community Services and is now holds the position as a Homelessness Program Officer.

Alison Campeau — Video Intern

As a Video Production Specialist, Alison was responsible for filming, editing and creating video content for the City of Winnipeg's Indigenous Relations Division in Corporate Support Services. She highlighted many opportunities the City of Winnipeg and community offered for Indigenous youth. Every day she is learned, gained experience and was mentored in the multimedia industry.

In pursuit of her goals, Alison has worked on many film projects as both an actor and producer, and has hosted a video series for a local television channel. Alison has immersed herself whole-heartedly into learning as much as she can about her passions, and is always looking for more opportunities to broaden her experience in the fields of producing, directing, script-writing, cinematography, editing, acting, hosting for videos and graphic designing.

Dylan Allary — Dylan completed a six-week finance internship in the Assessment and Taxation Department of the City of Winnipeg in 2014. Along with completing individual work projects, Dylan had the opportunity of working with many different employees responsible for various jobs within the department to gain insight on how the department - as well as the financial aspect - functions. From this experience, he had been able to take away a great deal of relevant experience that will help him in his future endeavors. Dylan has returned to the University of Manitoba's Asper School of Business to complete his studies.

Erica Daniels — An extremely talented and gifted individual, Erica has completed a two and a half year video internship with the City of Winnipeg developing multimedia projects for Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak. Erica comes from the Broadway Neighbourhood Centre's Just TV program; one of our program partners. Afterwards, Erica took on a full-time position at a local radio station called Rhythm FM.

Samantha Flett — Web Intern

Full of ideas and technical knowledge, Samantha jumped into her position as a Corporate Web Services Specialist. Samantha worked mainly on updating and maintaining our OAN web pages and helping the Corporate Web team with the City's website. Samantha's duties and interests extended to creating graphical elements for use at events and aiding her fellow coworkers on OAN communications related projects.

Samantha took a few years to hone her craft, attending numerous arts and design courses, and graduated from an online program through the Centre for Distance Education, in which she received honours in Graphic Design. Samantha hopes to enhance her experience by working freelance in graphic and web design.

Graham Constant — Graham completed a City of Winnipeg internship that was responsible for the development of a current and usable website to help Indigenous youth access information, resources, and employment development and training opportunities provided by Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak. Graham brought an artistic eye for graphic and web design to his work, as well as a degree in motion graphics and video production. Outside the office, Graham was a freelance new media designer and an avid skateboarder. Graham currently works for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation as an Audio Visual Technician.

Phil Dubuc — Phil was a former Video Production Specialist Intern through Oshki Annishinabe Nigaaniwak. His easy going demeanor made people feel at ease as he captured their stories with his camera. A former participant of the Broadway Neighbourhood Centre's Just TV program, Phil took on the role of a technical instructor for JR Just TV.

Vanessa Tait — Vanessa completed an internship with the City of Winnipeg where she identified culturally appropriate ways to recruit, retain and recognize Indigenous youth in the civic system. In 2011, she returned to the civic system and held a temporary position within the Aboriginal Service Branch. In 2012, Vanessa obtained a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Degree with a major in Aboriginal Business Studies. Her passions are community development, grassroots community economic development, and empowering youth.

Anthony Beach and Jason Chartrand — Both completed internships with the City of Winnipeg's Community By-law Enforcement Services and have since been offered jobs within the division. Anthony and Jason had the opportunity to access training and job shadowing to develop the competencies required for their positions.

Michael Redhead Champagne — While completing a contract with the City of Winnipeg Michael co-designed the Miyawata program. Since then, he has obtained a job with SAFE Workers of Tomorrow in addition to establishing AYO! (Aboriginal Youth Opportunities). AYO! is a volunteer youth group doing innovative work in Winnipeg's North End. Michael has just been named a Humanitarian of The Year! Read more in this article.

Clairissa Kelly — While participating in a City of Winnipeg internship with the Aboriginal Services Branch, Clairissa designed both the Next Step Award Program and an interactive Aboriginal Cultural Awareness session. Afterwards, Clairissa went back to university to complete her studies to become a teacher.

Georgina Fosseneuve — As an Animal Support Worker Intern with the Animal Services Agency in 2011, Georgina was responsible for patrolling designated areas within Winnipeg verifying dog owner licensing and enforcing the Agency's Zero Tolerance Policy on dog licensing.

Kyle Morrisseau — Kyle completed an Animal Support Worker Internship with the Animal Services Agency in 2011, where he was responsible for patrolling designated areas within Winnipeg verifying dog owner licensing and enforcing the Agency's Zero Tolerance Policy on dog licensing.

Jordanna Baron — Jordanna was an Animal Support Worker Intern with the Animal Services Agency in 2011, Jordanna was responsible for patrolling designated areas within Winnipeg verifying dog owner licensing and enforcing the Agency's Zero Tolerance Policy on dog licensing. Upon completion of her internship, Jordanna was also successful in securing a full-time position as a By Law Enforcement Officer with the City of Winnipeg's Community By-Law Enforcement Services Team.

Alicia Hill — Alicia completed a Library Page Internship. She had the opportunity to work in different departments with the Winnipeg Public Library and learned what services they provided to the public. In addition, she maintained responsibility of shelving library materials in correct sequence on the shelves.

Katrina Derbecker — As part of the License Inspector/Animal Service Agency Internship in 2012, Katrina was responsible for patrolling designated sections of the City verifying that homeowners with dogs have the required dog licenses. "I liked that this job taught me how to deal with people under different confrontational situations, it also helped me see what I want to do in the future."

Michelle Cardinal — Michelle completed completing the 2012 License Inspector/Animal Services Agency Internship. She was responsible for patrolling designated sections of the City verifying that homeowners with dogs have required dog licenses. "Working at Animal Services was an incredible experience. I learned how to approach a conflict situation and how to deal with conflict from the general public", Michelle added.

Bertram Thomas — Bertram completed the Animal Services Agency's Animal Support Worker Internship and was responsible for patrolling designated areas within Winnipeg verifying dog owner licensing and enforcing the Agency's Zero Tolerance Policy on dog licensing.

April Beyak — April completed the Animal Services Agency's Animal Support Worker Internship where she was responsible for patrolling designated areas within the city of Winnipeg verifying dog owner licensing and enforcing the Agency's Zero Tolerance Policy on dog licensing.

Cody Severight — Cody had the opportunity to work in different departments during his Library Page Internship with Winnipeg Public Libraries in 2011. He learned about various services that the library offered to the public. In addition, he maintained responsibility of shelving library materials in correct sequence on the shelves.

Cody Baron — Cody completed a Library Page Internship in 2011, where he had the opportunity to work in different departments and learned what services the library offered to the public. In addition, he maintained responsibility of shelving library materials in correct sequence on the shelves.

Kyle Edwards — Kyle completed a 10-week Library Page Internship with Winnipeg Public Library, where he was responsible for shelving library materials in the correct sequence and checking shelves by shelf-reading, and performing other duties consistent with the position.

Joshua Chartrand — Josh completed a 10-week Library Page Internship with Winnipeg Public Library, where he was responsible for shelving library materials in the correct sequence and checking shelves by shelf-reading, and performing other duties consistent with the position. Upon completion of his internship Joshua was offered a part time position as a Library Shelver with the Louis Riel Library Branch.

Justin Lemoine-Mousseau — Justin completed a 10-week Library Page Internship with Winnipeg Public Library in 2012, where he was responsible for shelving library materials in the correct sequence and checking shelves by shelf reading, and performing other duties consistent with the position. Upon completion of his Internship, Justin accepted a part time Library Shelver position with St. Vital Library Branch.

Bradley Blackbird — Bradley completed a 10-week Library Page Internship with Winnipeg Public Library in 2012, where he was responsible for shelving library materials in the correct sequence and checking shelves by shelf-reading, and performing other duties consistent with the position. Upon completion of his internship, Bradley accepted part-time position with the West End Library Branch.

Thomas Woodhall — Thomas completed a 10-week Library Page Internship with Winnipeg Public Library in 2012, where he was responsible for shelving library materials in the correct sequence and checking shelves by shelf-reading, and performing other duties consistent with the position. After his internship, he took on a part-time position at the Henderson Library Branch as a Library Shelver.

Chantal Loveday — As a By Law Enforcement Support Worker Intern with Community By-Law Enforcement Services in 2012, Chantal's Internship focused on training, field experience, and job shadowing to acquire the knowledge and ability to issue notices of correction, perform follow-up inspections and actions as required working with municipal by-laws. Upon completion of her internship, she will be trained and have hands-on experience that will qualify her for an entry-level position with Community By-Law Enforcement Services.

Michelle Amos — participated in a Youth Internship at the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg from 2010-2011.