The Story Behind RedFeather Strategies

Tawnshi, and Marsee for joining me in this space to hear the story of RedFeather Strategies—a story deeply rooted in my personal journey of discovering my Métis roots.

Uncovering My Heritage

I learned of my Indigenous heritage later in life. Despite living among Métis families and friends, my own heritage was hidden—never spoken of.

My Koohkoum passed away before I was born, and my godmother, Mrs. Landry, became that strong presence in my life. She often shared stories of her life, including the fact that her godfather was the legendary Gabriel Dumont. Yet she always told me, “Everyone says I am Indian, but I’m not—we’re French.” This was the narrative that dominated my early years: we were French.

A Journey of Rediscovery

These memories resurfaced when I visited Lestock, Saskatchewan, where my mom was born, for the town’s 100th anniversary. It was there that I learned more about my heritage: both my grandmother and great-grandmother had lived in that community. My great-grandmother had run a boarding house after fleeing the Red River Settlement in Manitoba.

She had been sent to a convent in Manitoba while quite young and, at the age of 15, left to marry Pierre Lalonde–who had come to the convent for a wife and mother for his two small children. 

I have come to understand the efforts my great-grandmother made to protect her children from the deep prejudice against Indigenous people. She hid our Métis status to shield her family from the painful discrimination that was so prevalent at the time—and unfortunately, continues to this day.

I often wonder what was in her heart when she made that decision. It speaks volumes about the success of the Canadian government's campaign to strip Indigenous people of their identity—to get "the Indian out of the child." Speaking these words today fills me with deep emotion. Tears well up in my eyes as I think of all the children, like my great-grandmother, who were sent away to schools designed to make them unlearn the essence of who they were.

The Emotional Impact

Understanding this part of my family’s history has been both heartbreaking and illuminating. Knowing who I am has filled me with a sense of belonging and connection that had been missing for so long. But it also brought deep sadness—realizing that my grandmother’s decision to hide our identity was a response to a world that did not value Indigenous people.

But today, we know the truth.

Now is the time for each of us to stand up—not with shame, but with pride. Pride in who we are, where we have come from, and in honouring the legacy of those who came before us. Our task now is to lay down a path for future generations—one that leads to a better tomorrow.

Our future together is bright, but only if we overcome our differences and learn to respect one another as fellow children of the Earth, honouring Mother Earth and all she offers us.

Why Red Feather?

With this history in mind, I chose the name RedFeather as a powerful symbol of the journey from adversity to a brighter future. The red feather represents our strength, our journey of overcoming obstacles, and the promise of better days ahead. It stands as a powerful emblem of our heritage and our commitment to being a catalyst for positive transformation.

A New Chapter: RedFeather Strategies

This rebranding is not just a name change—it’s a declaration of our mission:

“To capture the essence of your story, transcending time and place, to create a message that resonates universally.” 

We are dedicated to helping bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, fostering inclusivity, diversity, and a shared understanding.

Through our work, we honour all cultures and help others share their stories, capturing their visions and transforming them into reality. Just as the red feather symbolizes strength and resilience, RedFeather Strategies is here to stand with you.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us.

Marsee,  

Melodie Creegan 

President / Director of Client Services  

RedFeatherstrategies.ca