In anticipation of International Women's Day on March 8th, we're highlighting some of the young inspirational women who are paving the way for women in STEM here at OFNTSC.
Check out the interview below with Heidi Manitowabi, and be sure to follow @OFNTSC on social media to meet some of our other incredible team members!
Q: As a young woman working in a STEM field, what would you say inspired you to pursue the career you're in right now?
My inspiration to pursue a career in the environmental field came from my grandfather and my uncles. My grandfather was a commercial fisherman, and my uncles still fish today. They would tell me stories when I was young about things they would see and experiences that they had. This left me wanting to know more about the natural environment. I wanted to know the names of the trees, plants, birds, and bugs. Years later, I finally made the connection between being Anishinaabe and the love I have for Shkagamik-kwe (Mother Earth) and all of the beings that she sustains. As I continued to work in the environmental field, the negative impacts of modern human activities on the environment caught my attention - which is why I now work in solid waste management. Today, my biggest inspiration to continue this type of work is my nephew (the little guy in my photo).
Q: Do you think it's important for women to pursue a career in STEM fields and why?
I think it's important for Kweok (women) to know there is no limitation to the field of work we can be in.
Q: What do you love the most about your chosen career?
What I love most about my career is visiting First Nations communities and connecting with other Indigenous peoples throughout Turtle Island. Networking and making connections through a mutual fondness of the natural environment is my favourite part of my career.
Q: How do you incorporate Traditional Indigenous or Ecological Knowledge into your work?
I do my best to include language and cultural perspectives into the work that I do. Within the past couple of years, I have been making more of an effort to read books by Indigenous authors. I stay connected with my network of Knowledge Holders, spend time with young people, and I make sure to take time to connect with nature.
Q: What advice would you give to your younger self?
Dear Young Heidi:
Don't worry so much about things that are out of your control. Be sure to establish healthy boundaries at work and in your personal life - you know what you can and cannot handle. Be humble in your approach - there's no way you can know everything, and don't be afraid to ask for help.
