Speak Up: Nakuset, The Native Women's Shelter of Montreal | Waste No Potential

Nakuset, Executive Director of the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal, has seen how the stuffy rooms of institutions and officials perpetuate a cycle that discludes the voices of marginalized groups. That’s where she has planted herself. She stands between the forces that would continue the cycle and acts as a beacon for others. Her work — her voice — is creating positive momentum.

And it is just the beginning.

Nakuset was taken from her Cree family as a toddler during the Sixties Scoop, and adopted by a Jewish family in Montreal. She was taught to disregard her Indigenous roots and assimilate into a new mould. Eventually, she reached her breaking point and began the arduous search for her biological family. But it also led to the discovery of her own voice — and her mission to support Indigenous people in the face of adversity.

Like Nakuset, Emily Eakin, VP of Client Engagement at Traction on Demand, understands the importance of surrounding one’s self with supporting voices to face challenges. The world is awfully loud to try and drown out on your own. In this episode, we hear how Eakin believes her biggest wins weren’t achieved on her own — success is always a team effort.

Nakuset, driven by her own story, sheds a light on the injustices of the past and present, speaking up to reach her goal of supporting her community.