Despite efforts to separate Angel and others like her from their roots, Local 343 member Angel embraced every opportunity to educate herself and connect with her culture. Angel is part of Pinaymootang First Nation on her father’s side. Although, much of Angel’s exploration of her Indigenous identity had to happen later in life, together with her sister – who is a teacher with a degree in Indigenous Studies – Angel has participated in sweat lodges, attended sun dances, and engaged in numerous Indigenous events.
Angel’s recovery journey was crucial in helping her discover more about her identity. She found support at an Indigenous rehabilitation centre called Round Lake, where Elders guided her through lessons and stories, and the counsellors there gave her the strength she needed to change her lifestyle.
Now, Angel feels more connected to her Indigenous heritage than ever before and has embraced her two-spirit identity. Angel realized she was two-spirited; a term that is used to describe third-gender and gender-variant individuals, when she was reading about it in a book. Angel describes her two-spirit identity as an open and vast sense of self; something Angel says she always knew about herself but didn’t know how to describe.
Since joining the Carpenters’ Union and moving to Manitoba, Angel has met and worked with several tradespeople that also identify as Indigenous. She finds it inspiring to hear their stories of resilience: “Kids can still laugh, and people can still find joy while remaining strong.”
Angel continues to encourage Indigenous youth too, especially those interested in joining the trades. She says that the trades can be challenging, but that a willingness to learn and grow is essential for success, and that the Union provides a solid foundation to build upon. Angel believes that all success comes after many failures, “so celebrate the little wins, and keep kicking ass every day.”
