Shianne McKay, BSc
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Shianne is located in Brandon, Manitoba: Treaty 1 Territory, on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Metis, Cree, Dakota, and Oji-Cree Nations.
Shianne joined CIER in September 2009. She is Ojibway and a member of the Pine Creek First Nation in Manitoba. Shianne has 11 years of experience in the Conservation Biology field; 10 years working directly with First Nation communities. She has attained a B.Sc. in Environmental and Conservation Sciences with a major in Conservation Biology from the University of Alberta. In 2013, she received a certificate in Indigenous Women in Community Leadership from the Coady International Institute at St. Francis Xavier University. |
Shianne has conducted Climate Change and impact to First Nation presentations at the 2016 Manitoba Planning Conference and 2017 Medicine Lake Youth Gathering, coordinated and co-facilitated a Manitoba Regional First Nation Climate Change and Health Workshop, contributed to the development of the First Nations Climate Change and Infrastructure Guidance Document, and organized and co-facilitated a National Indigenous Community Based Climate Monitoring Symposium.
More about Shianne...
Why does your work matter?
I enjoy seeing change in communities. It makes all of the hard work worthwhile; from project initiation to completion. It feels feel really good to celebrate with them. I believe there is a transfer of knowledge that happens when we work with communities on the ground that they take into their daily lives.
What is one of your biggest learnings in your career thus far?
I have learned the importance of patience and understanding. Indigenous communities face so many limitations and challenges; they are forced to do so much with little resources. This can make our work challenging to complete our work, however, we need to need to be patient and provide as much support as we can.
How did you come to work at CIER?
CIER was my first full time job after my undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta. I applied to multiple positions, including CIER although they said they were not hiring at the time. But CIER called me and said they were interested in meeting me so I drove to Winnipeg by myself to talk to them and they hired me! I had a very short time to prepare and move to Winnipeg and I remember it feeling a bit of culture shock. I’ve enjoyed growing with the organization.
Do you have a role-model / teacher / mentor?
My role model is Tasha Spillet from the Indigenous Women Community Leadership program. I also come from a family of strong women, like my mother and aunties, and they have taught me to work hard for the things I want in my life.
Where do you feel most at home?
In nature and when I’m “boots on the ground.” I remember birding was my first work experience and I couldn’t believe it. I love to be outdoors, whether it’s picnicking, swimming, I’m totally content to go out in the bush. I also feel at home in the kitchen. It’s worthwhile when you’re done and everyone is enjoying the meal.
What are you doing when you’re not at your desk?
I am a full time hockey Mom! I am always supporting my children in extra curricular sports or having family potlucks. We have a big family and it’s nice to have our kids grow up with one another.
I enjoy seeing change in communities. It makes all of the hard work worthwhile; from project initiation to completion. It feels feel really good to celebrate with them. I believe there is a transfer of knowledge that happens when we work with communities on the ground that they take into their daily lives.
What is one of your biggest learnings in your career thus far?
I have learned the importance of patience and understanding. Indigenous communities face so many limitations and challenges; they are forced to do so much with little resources. This can make our work challenging to complete our work, however, we need to need to be patient and provide as much support as we can.
How did you come to work at CIER?
CIER was my first full time job after my undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta. I applied to multiple positions, including CIER although they said they were not hiring at the time. But CIER called me and said they were interested in meeting me so I drove to Winnipeg by myself to talk to them and they hired me! I had a very short time to prepare and move to Winnipeg and I remember it feeling a bit of culture shock. I’ve enjoyed growing with the organization.
Do you have a role-model / teacher / mentor?
My role model is Tasha Spillet from the Indigenous Women Community Leadership program. I also come from a family of strong women, like my mother and aunties, and they have taught me to work hard for the things I want in my life.
Where do you feel most at home?
In nature and when I’m “boots on the ground.” I remember birding was my first work experience and I couldn’t believe it. I love to be outdoors, whether it’s picnicking, swimming, I’m totally content to go out in the bush. I also feel at home in the kitchen. It’s worthwhile when you’re done and everyone is enjoying the meal.
What are you doing when you’re not at your desk?
I am a full time hockey Mom! I am always supporting my children in extra curricular sports or having family potlucks. We have a big family and it’s nice to have our kids grow up with one another.
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