“I feel like it really comes down to choices. One single choice can just change the whole trajectory of your life,” says Mariyah Snowshoe. She is from Fort McPherson, Northwest Territories and she is in her third year of the Indigenous Governance Program with Yukon University. She lives in Fort Providence with her boyfriend, going to school, playing in a band, sewing and spending time on the land.  

After graduating from high school in 2013, Snowshoe tried to upgrade her education in Inuvik and Whitehorse. She hopped from job to job as well. During those ten years, she felt like she was really struggling until one day she found herself sitting in Yukon University, waiting to meet someone, and she was reading the pamphlet for her current program. The idea of learning about self-government and preparing herself for a management or leadership position intrigued her and she applied, gaining admission. “All I know is that I want to help any Indigenous government move forward,” she explains.  

“I wouldn't be who I am today if I hadn't gotten into this program and learned about our history, how we're impacted, all of these important things that people should know,” Snowshoe reflects. During the program, she had a hard time learning about difficult historical events when she was away from home. That’s why she feels social history should be taught in elementary and high school when students have access to community support. She hopes through her self-government studies she will be able to better prepare students so they know more about the past and can learn in safer contexts, graduating with more information, without imposter syndrome and better self-esteem. She remembers the anger she had about not being taught such vital information and wants better for future generations.  

When it comes to inspiration, Snowshoe loves learning about Indigenous people. A lot of curriculum focuses on tragedies and injustice and not resilience and strength. “We wouldn't be here today if Indigenous people didn't fight so hard if we weren't so resilient. I find inspiration in that every single day, and that's the reason that I keep on doing what I'm doing,” she asserts.

When it comes to students leaving their home communities to pursue their education, Snowshoe’s advice is, “learn about your history, learn about all of these things while you are home and supported by your family and your community and you have that connection there to all back on.” Having those relationships for support when strong emotions come up is important, she believes.  

“Learn your culture. Your culture is your connection. That's my source of healing and strength. Every single time I've ever fallen off my path or hit rock bottom, I always know to just go home, because that is where my strength is. I think that one of the biggest things that I have learned in my life is to figure out who you are, like, really understand yourself. I've wasted so much time trying to be what other people wanted me to be, or else I tried to meet other people's expectations.… Just be authentic to yourself, and good things will always come. Your path will just be completely chosen for you. The universe will have your back, and you'll just shine. When you're truly authentic to yourself, you shine,” she continues.

Another lesson Snowshoe has learned has been about lateral violence and the best way she can handle bullies. She says, “Don't fight fire with fire, because you never know what someone's going through. Hurt people hurt people.”

When it comes to managing her wellness and mental health, Snowshoe has ADHD and she has learned a lot about how her brain works. She has found she has to be organized and plan to be successful, making lists and calendars of upcoming deadlines. Journaling, meditation and going for walks make a big difference for her. Being active in her culture, going out on the land, getting fresh air, eating traditional foods, and sewing are good for her healing. “I always feel like every time I'm participating in some sort of cultural activity, I feel like the blood that has been passed down from my ancestors, it's like my blood memory is being woken up again because I'm actively doing what they used to do,” she beams.

As far as inspiration goes, Snowshoe looks to her grandparents who are strong advocates for their people. “What gets me through sometimes is to know that I carry that same strength as they do, and they've taught me so much in my life, and I owe it all to them, because I wouldn't be who I am without them,” she smiles. Blessed with strong, smart, amazing grandparents, she’s full of gratitude. Snowshoe is also grateful for her parents, her dad who taught her to sing and her resilient, strong and loving mom. Her brother who has a degree in education and loves kickboxing inspires her, too. The resilience of Indigenous people inspires her also. “To hear the beat of a drum, or to be in a room full of Indigenous people, it sends shivers down my spine, and it just makes me feel so connected and so loved, and I really love that about us,” she gushes.

When one single choice can change your life, Mariyah Snowshoe is glad she chose the Indigenous Governance Program with Yukon University. While school had been a struggle before, she’s following the inspiration of supporting self-government and moving into leadership. Learning the hard truths of history was a challenge but she knows about the strength and resilience of her family and community and that she carries that within herself.

Thank you to Alison Tedford Seaweed for authoring this article!