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Biography

I trace my roots to Québec, specifically to the Innu Peoples and to the French settlers of Trois-Rivières, the traditional lands of the Abenaki Peoples. Livernoche is from my father’s side, a family of French settlers; and Allard and Bilodeau are family names from my mother’s side with roots to the Innu peoples and French settlers.

My parents migrated to the West Coast of Turtle Island in the 70s and I was born and raised on the lək̓ʷəŋən Territory amongst the Coast Salish Peoples of the Pacific Northwest. However, due to the forces of colonization, I wasn’t raised with our Indigenous traditions and practices, rather I was raised French Catholic.

My Indigenous identity is incomplete and the work to reconnect and locate the Indigenous histories and communities in my family is ongoing and a work in progress. I owe my gratitude and hold my hands up to the local Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth and Kwakwaka’wakw Elders and knowledge holders for sharing with me their cultural teachings and worldviews over the years.

I have a background in education, Applied Theatre, youth work and job coaching and have been of service to the local nations for over two decades. I have a strong belief that everyone can have a profound impact on the world they live in, and I am dedicated to working collaboratively with others to learn, share and build healthy, open communities. 

I enjoy working in the garden, going for walks in nature and playing in the arts (beading, theatre, drumming, etc.). I’d like to thank my parents, my daughter, grandchildren, my partner, and especially my dogs Shorty and Millie for always lifting me up. Inward, onward, and upward!