Role models make all the difference
By Christine Smith (McFarlane)
TORONTO –Sylvia Plain, 29 of Aamjiwnaang First Nation knows what its like to be strong and to be a role model to others because she has had role models herself to help her get where she is today.
Plain, is in her third year at the University of Toronto specializing in political science. She says that so many women are strong in their own ways – some who are recognized and some we may never know about.
“Women bring life into this world. They are the heartbeat of our families,” says Plain who is the founder of the Great Lakes Canoe Journey. “Each woman has something unique to offer to this world, and I think when she finds out what that is and contributes that to her family and community, she is strengthening those around her. That is what I see in the strong women around me.”
Plain was a youth leader this past summer for the Union of Ontario Buzz of Medzins Regional Medicine Sessions, is the owner of Niigaan Consulting and is a First Nations student Ambassador for the Council of Ontario Universities.
Plain believes that she is a strong woman.
“I have had the strength of my friends, family and community behind me all my life. I’ve had role models that were great examples of the kind of person I want to be and I’ve had great teachers that have guided me through my mistakes and my accomplishments. Each new experience has encouraged me to become a better person and I hope to continue to grow.”
She adds that having strong men in her life has also helped her to become a strong woman.
“My dad, my grandpa, my uncles, my brothers – they have all played a huge role in my life and overall, they supported me to be the best woman I can be.”
When it comes to the many youth environmental groups she works with, Plain says that she got started with this work because she has a concern for the pollution in her community.
“I wanted to share what is going on with all of the health and environmental issues – to reach out to others for support.”
Plain’s drive for her work came from growing up watching members of my family volunteer in the community and help others.
“My dad coached sports teams, my aunts and uncles were always volunteering in whatever the community needed, and my grandma was a teacher and taught Anishinaabemowin,” says Plain. “I have had lots of positive influences in my life and I like to think that I represent a piece of all the people who have impacted my life. I am also very grateful for our ancestors, too. No matter what, they always thought about us in the future – and I am thankful for their work. I hope to pass those same values on just as they did.”
“My Nokomis is one of the greatest influences in my life,” says Plain of her role model. “She went to university and became a language teacher. She contributed to Anishinaabemowin dictionaries, created language resources and curriculum for elementary schools and went on to become the President of the Federation of the Women Teachers’ Association of Ontario. She was the first in our family to go overseas. She is brave, adventurous, thoughtful, kind, and very loving. What I love about her the most is for giving me the room to find out what I love to do and she has always supported me.”
Plain adds that her peers inspire her.
“My work allows me to travel and meet new people all the time. When I hear about the good work they are doing, I am so proud to know that there are so many people working to contribute to our First Nations communities. I know that I am not alone in my work and there are many people to turn to for guidance, support, and inspiration.”
Plain believes that what helps you to be strong is for you to find out what you are most passionate about.
“Take the time to invest in yourself. Surround yourself with friends and teachers that inspire and support you. Never stop learning and don’t forget to have fun along the way.”