Tansi, Boozhoo, Janhunijay, 

      Animikii Mushkoytay Bizhikii Ikwe Nindizhinkaz, Mong niindoodem, Saulteau First Nations Nindooji. My English name is Janell Jackson, my mother is Bernadine Gauthier from Saulteau First Nations, and my father is Bobby Jackson from Halfway River First Nations. We are from the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Northeastern British Columbia, on Treaty 8 Territory. 

      I would like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Territories and Original Lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate and Dene, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. Thank You for allowing us to be situated here with you, moving in reciprocity for the betterment of our collective future.

      It is my honor and privilege to introduce myself as the Representative for Students Providing Care. I was encouraged to accept nomination for this position as I am a mother of two biological sons, and two other children who are now young adults. I’m always so proud to recognize four of my children, as they have, and continue to shape who I am today. 

      I would like to highlight a few of my personal accomplishments, starting with my graduation from high school in 2010 at the age of 17, while being a single mother of two babies. I had Social Assistance support, secure housing, childcare, and counselling, which was all part of a  formulated design to help teenage parents returning to school. I attribute my success to those systems of support. 

      My second highlight is sitting among our Nation as an elected official, recognized as a Councilor within Chief & Council. This is an integral leadership position to the governance of First Nations, as prescribed under The Indian Act. I campaigned, and debated two opponents, and went on to receive the support of membership at a %69 win. I was 23 years old at the time, working two jobs, and managing both of my son’s minor hockey teams. I resigned from the elected position after several months to pursue post secondary, which leads me to my next highlight.

      My third, is graduating from the University of Winnipeg with a Double Major in Indigenous Studies, and Canadian History in 2020. My passion for politics, and governance expanded throughout that degree, eventually leading me to pursue the Juris Doctorate Program with Robson Hall. 

      I have two dogs; a red bone coon hound named Ginger, and a coon hound mixed husky named Sunny. I also have a cat, her name is De javu. I love to cook, and to spend time with my kids. Sometimes it’s going for a walk to get ice cream, or just chilling in the living room watching a movie. We love sports, so a Jets game, the Sea Bears, the Goldeyes, and yes, the Bombers get most of our attention. I take most pride in providing for my family of 5, (2 kids, 2 dogs & 1 cat)! The two other children I acknowledge, are living either on their own or with their mom. I selfishly indulge in yoga, running, bubble baths, and coffee as often as I can. 

      I am most proud to be a Second Year Law Student at Robson Hall, and I am so excited to offer my support for our Students Providing Care. Trust me when I say, “I understand”. Support is critical for success, and representation is impactful, so I hope you know that Students who provide care, absolutely belong, and have a supremely important place among our communities! I will do my very best to help you in any capacity that I can! Teamwork makes the dream work. 

Gitchi Miigwetch, Kinanaskomitin, Mussi Cho, Hiy Hiy, and Thank you! 

All my Relations, 

Janell Jackson.