University of Winnipeg student Tammy Wolfe has been recognized with a CBC Manitoba Future 40 Award for her work advocating for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.
“It’s meaningful to me, as an Ininiw Iskwew (Cree woman), to be recognized,” she said. “I have overcome many of the social justice issues that Indigenous peoples are still being impacted by throughout Canada so this is very personal.”
An advocate for social justice
Wolfe, who graduated from UWinnipeg with a BA and BEd in 2016, has dedicated her life to bringing awareness to Canada’s history with Indigenous people, advocating for social justice issues, and helping people understand the impact that these issues have on our world today.
While working toward her undergrad she had a life-changing conversation with one of her professors.
Leaders who use their voices to create change usually end up with others who hear them and follow their path.
Tammy Wolfe
“He encouraged me by telling me that it is important to continue using my voice,” she said. “He taught me that leaders who use their voices to create change usually end up with others who hear them and follow their path.”
Her voice can be heard every Monday at 1:30 pm as a volunteer host on the CKUW 95.9 FM radio show, Truth Before Reconciliation. She also serves as a board member advocating for homelessness issues, and runs a consulting service that helps businesses that want to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action and integrate Indigenous perspectives into the workplace.
A lifelong learner, Wolfe is now working toward a Master of Arts in Indigenous Governance, where she is studying the impact of colonialism on Indigenous women in Canada. She spent summer 2020 researching land-based and ceremonial healing practices in support of individuals impacted by the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two spirit people.
“This is deeply meaningful work for me. I hope I can help find solutions to this problem, as well as honour the life of my mother and others who have been impacted by this crisis,” said Wolfe.
Wolfe is working with Dr. Lorena Fontaine on this project.
“Tammy Wolfe is truly an inspirational Indigenous woman,” said Fontaine. “Her research will contribute to the healing that is necessary around Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA. It will also pave a path for other graduate students to incorporate land-base ceremonial methodology into their research. I am extremely proud of her.”
CBC Manitoba’s Future 40 Awards recognize the achievements of 40 Manitobans age 40 and younger who have made outstanding professional or service contributions to the community and who are making a difference in the lives of Manitobans.
“I’m honored to be recognized for the work I’m doing,” she said. “It’s empowering! There is so much work that needs to be done and this award brings attention to it.”
