Why children are essential in decision-making spaces. Ft. Councilor Michelle Friesen‪.‬ Matriarch Movement

What does it mean to bring Indigeneity into colonial spaces, especially into the government?


Michelle Friesen, City Councilor for the City of Whitehorse, knows a thing or two about it. In October 2021 she was elected as the first Indigenous woman to serve on Whitehorse City Council – the first Indigenous person to sit in City Council in 30 years. Early this year, Michelle and her son, Theo, were in the media after she faced complaints by fellow city council members to stop bringing her son to meetings, an act that is rooted in her Indigeneity.  


Michelle joins Shayla to look at the cultural and historical context of Matriarchy and motherhood in places of decision making and how she views her role, and the role of Matriarchs-in-the-making, in colonial governing institutions.


Matriarch Movement is created and hosted by Shayla Oulette Stonechild and produced by Kattie Laur. Theme music is "Sisters" by Wolf Saga, Chippewa Travellers and David R. Maracle.

Follow Shayla Oulette Stonechild on Instagram @shayla0h

Follow Matriarch Movement on Instagram @matriarch.movement

Matriarch Movement is a non-profit, platform and podcast amplifying Indigenous voices through story, meditation, movement and medicine. Learn more at matriarchmovement.ca



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