“The water is alive, has spirit, and it's important that we take care of one another and ensure that future generations can learn from the knowledge and experiences of all those who came before us,” says Tyna Legault Taylor. She is a Muskego Cree from Attawapiskat First Nation in northern Ontario. Born in Moose Factory and raised in Moosonee and Geraldton, Ontario, she now lives in Thunder Bay with her husband and son. In her free time, she likes to go for long walks around Boulevard Lake, camping, fishing and traveling. She also loves reading and writing.

In her twenties, Legault Taylor worked eight years under the leadership of Phil Fontaine with the National Chief’s Office at the Assembly of First Nations. She went on to work for five years at the De Beers Victor Mine. Now, she’s working on her PhD in Health Sciences at Lakehead University, focusing on holistic and cultural health and well-being in relation to water justice. She’s also written the Joshua Learns from the Land children’s book series, stories she shares with classrooms through Connected North sessions. “My career path has been shaped by my desire to support First Nations communities on our stories and contribute to positive change,” she explains, knowing that change, while difficult and slow, is something she wants to be a part of.

Her research focuses on her community’s gifts, strengths and knowledge as they care for and protect the water, honouring water protectors, knowledge keepers, elders and community members. “Growing up with a strong family and community connections, I learned the importance of relationships, culture, and giving back, so part of this is giving back to my community, to water. It's to honour water,” Legault Taylor reflects.

“My research, writing and community work are all rooted in commitment to supporting the well-being of our people, all relations, including water, and strengthening connections to land and water. I've been motivated by opportunities to learn, foster relationships, walk again, listen alongside communities, and help create space for indigenous voices and knowledge systems and stories,” she continues.

Motivation to write her books has come from watching her son and husband connect with land, water, plants and animals and her desire to capture that. The encouragement to write her books started with one of her professors urging her to share her stories with pictures she created for his class to a broader audience. After researching different publishers, her stories found a home and she has two more books in the series coming out soon.

Her advice for Indigenous students considering leaving their home communities to pursue opportunities is “Remember that you do not have to walk this journey alone… surround yourself with a strong support system.” Legault Taylor recommends getting involved with Indigenous student services, cultural programs, on and off-campus community events to build connections, find encouragement, guidance, and a sense of belonging. She also urges students not to be afraid to ask for help, something she struggled with. She suggests seeking out mentors and taking advantage of opportunities that support academic, personal, cultural, and professional growth. Staying safe, connected to family, friends, elders and trusted connections are also priorities she sees as important. “Remember where you come from and carry your culture. Be proud,” she encourages.

As far as obstacles go, Legault Taylor struggled with the loss of loved ones including both her parents and she had many personal and emotional challenges. Leaning on family, friends, mentors, community and the strength of her culture, faith and teachings, she was able to be guided and grounded. She honours their memory through her educational journey and giving back to her community. “Their strength continues to inspire me to keep moving forward and carry their love, teachings, and legacy with me in all that I do,” she shares. She passes what she’s learned onto her son, keeping their memory alive.

If she could share a message with her younger self it would be, “Just trust the journey. Be open to where it leads, and know that life's unexpected paths often lead you exactly where you're meant to be. You have loved ones guiding you and looking after you.” Legault Taylor would also say, “Just focus on the task at hand... don't get overwhelmed.” Often worried about the future in her youth, now she focuses on trying to be present knowing things tend to fall into place.

To balance her mental health and well-being, Legault Taylor walks near water to calm and center herself. She smudges to clear negative energy and make room for reflection, balance and focus. She prioritizes her family and sharing laughter with friends and family. She loves to find joy in everyday moments and avoids taking herself too seriously.

When it comes to inspiration, Legault Taylor looks to her son, her husband, parents, community and the natural and spirit worlds. She’s also driven by her dreams, vision and imagination, and by other storytellers. Curiosity and a love of continuous learning motivate her, along with the world around her.

“I don't think we ever stop learning. It's an ongoing learning journey.”

In closing, Legault Taylor hopes youth are proud of who they are and urges, “Don't be afraid to explore imagination. Write it down, even if you're not sure how to start. Just write whatever comes to mind, and … improve it later. Just get it down on paper, or … on film… Tell your stories. Everyone has their own story. There's room for all our stories.” She encourages celebrating each other’s successes, practicing kindness and not taking things too seriously. “Make sure you laugh and enjoy your educational path and journey, and trust that journey,” she concludes.

Giving back to her community and honouring water, Tyna Legault Taylor is conducting important research and creating inspiring children’s books. Driven by a desire to create space for Indigenous stories and knowledge, her career has taken her from the Assembly of First Nations to the mining industry and now to academia where she’s making her mark with her unique perspective. Sharing her stories with young people in Connected North classrooms and the broader community, she’s opening eyes and hearts to a deeper connection to the land and waters.

Thanks to Alison Tedford Seaweed for authoring this article.