Meet Michèle Audette – FNQLHSSC

May 6, 2024

The path I followed was determined when I was born to a Quebecois father and an Innu mother. Racism was just a part of my life, a reality I was hit with very early on. Growing up, I had to claim two identities, Quebecois and Innu, without being fully accepted by either. This identity confusion caused me to seek my place elsewhere, notably by getting involved, at the age of 16, with the Native Friendship Centre of Montréal where I found comfort among people who shared similar experiences—being mixed race—and where I began to better understand my history.

Between the ages of 18 and 24, I became actively involved in defending the rights of Indigenous women. I also gave speeches as part of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. Surrounded by remarkable women and engaged in this fight, I benefited from mentorship and found much-deserved self-esteem. At 28 years old, I took part in the Quebec Native Women (QNW) movement, where I was once again mentored by women from various communities who understood the importance of collective movements. Each new experience was a valuable life lesson for me.

I had initially considered becoming a fine arts teacher, but I left my studies to pursue my new calling as an activist and a supporter of Indigenous communities, which gives me profound satisfaction and a great sense of personal accomplishment.

Read More: https://cssspnql.com/en/meet-michele-audette/

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