About Vicki M. R. Monague
For Vicki M. R. Monague, growing up on the reserve was a journey marked by both beauty and adversity. As a third-generation Indian Day School attendee, she witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of the Indian Residential School and Day School systems on her family and community. This legacy of trauma manifested in her own struggles with addictions, mental health issues, eating disorders, and suicidal ideation throughout much of her life. However, it was through reconnecting with her culture and language that Vicki discovered the strength to overcome these challenges. Today, she stands as an award-winning activist, educator, and entrepreneur, dedicating her life to helping others break free from the bonds of intergenerational trauma. By sharing her personal experiences, Vicki educates others on the pressing issues of systemic racism, reconciliation, and decolonization.
Located in Midland, Ontario, on her ancestral territory, Vicki is a proud Bodwewadami-Ojibwe Anishinabe Kwe whose activism has resonated across local, national, and international stages. Her unwavering dedication to Indigenous liberation and water protection has not only garnered her accolades but has also forged a legacy of resilience and empowerment within her community. Despite facing significant challenges, including legal battles and personal hardships, Vicki’s journey is a testament to her indomitable spirit and commitment to her people.
Vicki considers herself fortunate to have grown up on the reserve, surrounded by the love and support of her family, particularly her five sisters and brothers, as well as her cousins. These early experiences shaped her understanding of community and connection, deeply influencing her approach to land-based education. Growing up together, they shared countless moments exploring the natural world, learning the importance of stewardship, and embracing the teachings of their ancestors. This strong foundation of familial love and cultural connection has fueled Vicki's passion for educating others about the significance of land and its teachings, reinforcing the idea that every child should have the opportunity to engage with their environment in meaningful ways.
Deeply connected to her ancestral lands of Beausoleil First Nation, Vicki was immersed in the rich traditions and values of her community from an early age. This cultural foundation fueled her fervent advocacy as she pursued higher education at Lakehead University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science followed by a Master of Education degree in Social Justice Education. Her academic journey also included a college diploma in Anishinaabemowin, highlighting her commitment to cultural revitalization and the importance of language in healing.
Over the past 15 years, Vicki has emerged as a leader in water movements related to Indigenous rights, earning multiple awards for her efforts, including the prestigious YMCA Peace Medallion. Her leadership in the water source protection movement, which successfully halted a landfill development on a pristine aquifer, stands as a testament to her courage and determination. Despite facing a lawsuit and criminal charges for initiating a blockade, Vicki’s resolve never faltered, showcasing her ability to turn adversity into a powerful force for change, even in the face of social prosecution and exclusion.
In addition to her activism, Vicki served as a Research Assistant at McMaster University in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, where she conducted a meta-analysis on Anishinaabe Star Knowledge. She developed an innovative star knowledge curriculum for elementary school children, utilizing a portable planetarium to bring the cosmos into classrooms, effectively bridging traditional knowledge with modern education.
Vicki's personal life is as vibrant as her professional endeavors. She is deeply passionate about her heritage and actively works towards the revitalization of Indigenous language and culture. Guided by the principles of harmony with nature and the enduring wisdom of her ancestors, Vicki embodies a philosophy that inspires those around her.
Today, Vicki imparts her wealth of knowledge as an Indigenous studies instructor across various institutions. Her teachings continue to inspire and educate, bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and contemporary understanding. By shaping future generations, she instills the values of respect, resilience, and reverence for the natural world.
Vicki M. R. Monague's journey is a powerful narrative of dedication, courage, and transformative impact. Through her tireless advocacy for water protection and Indigenous rights, she has carved a path of empowerment and hope. As she continues to educate and inspire, Vicki's legacy grows—a testament to her unwavering commitment to her people and the planet, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, one can rise and make a profound difference.
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