Tell us a bit about yourself
Aba Wathtech, Oki, Danit’ada, Hello, my name is Bobbi-Jo, I am from the Bearspaw First Nation, I am a Stoney/Sioux, Blackfoot and Dene, a women of Treaty 7. I enjoy exploring the areas my ancestors once travelled and utilized, appreciating the beauty of nature and everything mother nature has to offer. I enjoy learning about my culture, spending my days beading or sewing, teaching my family the knowledge that was passed down to me from my grandmother. I also enjoy hunting, being able to go out and provide for my family is so empowering to me.
What brought you to the Women’s Centre of Calgary?
What brought me to the Women’s Centre of Calgary was the organization’s reconciliation work. I was always aware of the Women’s Centre and the many wonderful services and programs the Centre offers women from all walks of life, and am very honored to have the opportunity to work with them on their quest towards reconciliation.
What is one thing you hope to learn at the Women’s Centre?
I would like to learn about the diversity of the women in the Centre, and how they come together to address social issues.
What does reconciliation mean to you?
Reconciliation to me is strengthening the relationships between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous, ensuring a brighter and more inclusive future for the younger generation.
Describe a woman who you admire or who has influenced your life?
A woman who has influenced my life is my late Grandmother Margaret Daisy Runner-Dixon. She taught me how to find strength within myself to overcome any challenges or barriers I may face. She was a very strong woman who raised her family to be strong and resilient through difficult times. She taught me to always remain humble and never forget those who need help. She kept me connected with my roots, throughout my lifetime, and I always admired her ability to continue to fluently speak her Dene language throughout her lifetime and to show off the beauty of our culture through her beading and moccasin making. She has been the most influential women in my lifetime, her teachings are what guided me and give me strength to speak out as an Indigenous women.