Issue 2:
Melinda Kachina Bige
My name is Melinda Kachina Bige I am a Nehiyaw, Dene ts'ekwi from Denesuline lands of Lutsel K'e. I teach at Kwantlen University which is located on the land & waters of the Katzie, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen,& Musqueam people, where I also grew up. I live on the land of the snuyneymuxw and snaw naw es people. I am an ?ene to my daughter Piyesis (Jamie) and Tthen (Isadore), and a partner to Brandon Gabriel who belongs to the Kwantlen Nation. I come from the Thomas, Dumais, Crookedhand, families, and was fortunate to have a very loving relationship my English Grandmother Shirley Bige, and had a brief Childhood relationship to my Setsie. My Setsone Mary Crookedhand is still alive and I am fortunate to know her, and her incredibly fierce daughter Theresa Crookedhand who is always encouraging me.
I have been fortunate enough to have attained a degree in Sociology at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and a Masters in Indigenous Governance at the University of Victoria. My education experience was wrought with trials and tribulations as I navigated the many colonial violence's embedded in these institutions. My goal in my academic career is to hold space for Indigenous intelligence's, and model how the world can change to create equity for all our people, and repatriation of land, and identity.
Photo by: Nicole Durkan Photography
Len Pierre
Len is a Coast Salish Consultant, public speaker, educator, & cultural practitioner from Katzie First Nation. With a background in adult education and cultural knowledge systems, Len aims to decolonize and transform corporate systems, approaches, policies, and curriculum content in any professional discipline.
In a time of Truth & Reconciliation, Len believes that the need to bridge the Indigenous and non-Indigenous realities has never been greater. With a focus on recentering Indigenous knowledge and values, he provides educational lectures, workshops and consultation services to any willing service provider.
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Matthew DiMera
Matthew DiMera is an award-winning editor and journalist currently living in Tkaronto (Toronto). He is the Founder of The Resolve, a new independent Canadian media outlet centring, elevating and celebrating Black, Indigenous and racialized voices and stories. The Resolve is reimagining the traditional narrative, and bringing more than just surface change to journalism. It will dive deeper, explain complex issues, and look to solutions. The Resolve aims to reflect the real-life experiences of Indigenous, Black and racialized communities — the highs and the lows, the challenges and the successes, the sorrows and the joys.
Most recently Matthew was the Managing Editor at Xtra where he drove new and innovative digital-only editorial and engagement strategies, and the Acting Editor-in-Chief at rabble.ca where he was leading strategy for an editorial refocusing and relaunch.
He is a long-time advocate for the importance and power of social justice and community reporting.
Brandon Gabriel
My name is Brandon Gabriel. My ancestral name I carry is Kwelexwəlsten. I am Kwantlen and St'ailəs (Sto:lo), and Shakan (N'lkapa'muxw). I was born and raised on the Kwantlen First Nation community in present day Fort Langley.I was educated at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Emily Carr University of Art and Design. With continuing studies at JIBC. First Nations Studies and Visual Arts majors
I am a carver, painter, muralist, husband, dad, and public speaker.
Issue 1:
Munatsi Mavhima
My name is Munatsi Mavhima and I’m an immigrant settler who comes from Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe. Through education and some research I’ve started to understand the true, colonial history of Canada and how it still dictates the country we live in today. It has helped me better understand my own country’s colonial history and the violence therein. I am an aspiring writer, I’ve written poetry, some of which has been published. I also write short stories, none of which anyone has ever seen. When I’m not trying to unlearn and decolonize I enjoy basketball and soccer (electronically and in real life) as well as reading fiction and taking long walks in unfamiliar places. It brings me peace.
Photo by: Amei-lee Laboucan
Amei-lee Laboucan
Amei-lee Laboucan is a graduate student in the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta in Treaty 6 territory. She graduated from Kwantlen Polytechnic University with a Bachelor of Journalism and an Associate of Arts degree from Douglas College. Amei-lee is a Black, Cree and Métis woman. She lives on the unceded shared territories of the Kawntlen, Katzie, Qayqayt, Kwikwetlem, Semihamoo and Tsawwassen coast Salish people. Amei-lee uses she/her pronouns and is a Taurus Sun, Sagittarius Moon, and Virgo rising. Ultimately, Amei-lee would like to dabble in journalism and possibly try her hand at getting a PhD.
Photo by: Ivy Edad
Ivy Edad
Ivy Edad is a poet based in Unceded Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-waututh territories. They recently graduated from Kwantlen Polytechnic University with a Bachelor in Journalism, and a Minor in Creative Writing.Ivy is an immigrant settler for Antipolo, Philippines. Since moving to Turtle Island they have performed on national stages such as the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word, and Canadian Individual Poetry slam. Their work can be found in pulpMAG, For Women Who Roar, and virtual poetry open mic nights.