Santana Manywounds

I was born in this land, Mokhinstsis. My nikawiy is Cree, from Kehewin First Nation, and my late Ito is Tsuut’ina, from the Tsuut’ina First Nation. I grew up outside of Calgary. My home on the Tsuut’ina reservation is moments outside of city limits. I’m humbled to say I feel a deep connection to the land and my relatives. My grandmother taught me cultural practices I hold dearly, and treasure in hopes I can pass those traditions to my future grandchildren when the time comes. Right now, I’m working on a beading piece, but it’s a surprise for the person I’m gifting it to. 

I’m majoring in English. I’m in my third year and I have one more year until I’m finished. I chose English because I love stories; reading them and analyzing them. I grew up with oral traditions and was taught through stories. Why we are here, valuable lessons, and our histories have been tangled within storytelling. 

I adore Indigenous writers, but unfortunately there are a short supply of Indigenous fiction writers available. What you find is mainly in non-fiction, so to have Indigenous literature and Indigenous representation within the fiction genre would be amazing. Our stories need to be told. However, I’m a fan of Richard Wagamese’s works. Also writers Terese Marie Mailhot, Lee Maracle, and Thomas King. 

I choose to attend MRU because of the closeness to the reserve. I went to the University of Saskatchewan for a year, but found it lonely. I had my friends, but I didn’t have my family. So I transferred to MRU to be closer to home and to my relations. I’m very much a homebody. 

The aspect of reclaiming what was stolen, especially culturally, is what drew me to my reconciliation journey. I’m still reclaiming my own culture. Joining the Anitopisi program and being part of the cohort brings a feeling of belonging. Connection that is not only on campus, but also with the women in the cohort. I admire them, and aim to be just as great and inspiring. 

I’m excited about education, and learning surprising things that I didn't previously know about. Latasha explores topics that are new to me and that I wasn’t aware of. For example, the Treaty 7 signing - she further elucidated the process, and it blew me away. She provided details that are not common knowledge, and exploring this from an Indigenous view regarding historical events was really refreshing. 

Where I see more opportunities for change is to have more of an Indigenous presence within campus, more Indigenous roles being available, and more Indigenous representation - especially on a student front. 

The leadership aspect of the Anitopisi program is pivotal to me because it allows us to grow, works to give our voices back, and we bring up important topics and break them down. It’s really enlightening. In a classroom setting it’s always my obligation to bring an Indigenous perspective. But in the cohort there is a sense of familiarity and we have a shared history of lived experiences. The friendships that I’ve gained through this program with the women have been beyond humbling, to say the least. 

My words of encouragement to anyone looking to start their reconciliation journey: No amount of colonization can ever erase your connection to the land, your culture, and your ancestors.