Katie Manomie is an Inuk woman born in Iqaluit, Nunavut. As part of the 60’s Scoop she was raised in the traditional T’Souke Territory with her non-Indigenous mother and is currently living and learning on Lekwungen Territory. She was never taught anything about her Inuk/Indigenous heritage beyond what was taught in the public school system. In high school she experienced a lot of racism, had a hard time attending, and started to abuse drugs and alcohol. She was also experiencing homelessness, which ultimately affected her ability to finish high school.
She decided to attend the Native Education College in 2014 and received her AABE certificate. She was Elected Chief while she attended. She did not take her academics seriously until she became sober almost two years ago.
In 2020 she decided it was time to check out Camosun College. Sekwan Wabasca, one of the Indigenous advisors at Camosun, helped Katie decide that the Indigenous Family Support (IFS) program would be the best option, and Katie is currently on her full-time practicum with the NCCABC.
Katie Manomie finds her footing in Camosun’s Indigenous Family Support program
During her first semester, Katie received an Inspire Award and the Spurt Award for students studying family support. This past semester she was nominated for the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Inclusion, Democracy and Reconciliation. Because of how much she helps her classmates she has been coined “the auntie” of the program.
The IFS program has taught Katie about Indigenous people, and she is looking forward to starting the Indigenous Studies degree program in the fall and to learning more about Indigenous values, ways of living, and the historic events that have taken place in Canada. Katie says the most important thing that she is looking forward is learning how to decolonize her worldviews and learn how to walk in both worlds, and finally learn how to advocate for her people.
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Katie is my sister-in-law. I am incredibly proud of her spirit, her courage, her ability to accept her own truth and her own reconciliations… She is an inspiration and a wise woman. Katie is destined to empower, influence, change and inspire a new narrative drawing teachings from her mentors, elders, and lived experience. Congratulations Katie. You are loved and respected so very much.
Amazing Katie!!!
Congrats Katie on all your hard work! Well deserved recognition!
Well done very proud of you……keep up the good work.❤️
She is incredible, magnificent, sweet, kind, beautiful person ..
We’ve been friends for over a decade now and witnessing your growth, despite all the obstacles life tried to throw your way, fills my heart with inspiration and pride. No matter where you were in life you always laughed loudly, had a smile on your face and place in your heart to care about those around you. Your friendship is a gift and I am forever proud of you.
Katie, you are so amazing! Congratulations on everything you’ve accomplished so far. You have an amazing future ahead of you.
Congratulations on all of your hard work Katie!
Katie is a beautiful person who has endured a lot but always remained kind. She is going to reach her goals and dreams and be a leader in our community, I am sure of it.
Katie, I am so proud of you 💕 You have always shown such inspiration and I knew you would succeed in anything you chose to do. So glad you connected with your community and I wish you all the best in your future accomplishments. Keep striving Katie 💕
Katie, this is very inspiring to hear. Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations and it’s really nice to see you continue to reach yours. Congrats on all the hard work!
Dear Katie
Despite the past challenges you are following your path and becoming the woman Creator imagined. I lift my hands to you in gratitude for the love you offered me and all who come across your path.
Congratulations, Katie! So glad our paths crossed on your practicuum leading to your goals. You create your future with the choices you make today. It’s evident that you have been making increasingly better choices. May you feel the Creator and your ancestors next to you when you encounter challenging choices. From All My Relations, Flora Raynes, Native Courtworker