Heidi Manitowabi

Through her travels as a youth, Heidi learned about the negative impacts that North American lifestyles have on Mother Earth. This was the driving force behind her decision to enter the environmental field. “It took me a little while to connect the dots between being an Anishinaabe-Kwe and my feelings of responsi - bility towards being a steward of Shkagamik-Kwe (Mother Earth).”

Heidi has completed an advanced diploma in Environmental Technology from Sir Sandford Fleming College as well as Indigenous Environmental Science from Trent University. This career path has allowed her to achieve employment as Regional Solid Waste Specialist at the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation. Here Heidi incorporates her cultural knowledge into her work and advocates for the unique needs of Indigenous communities! 

When it comes to being a role model, Heidi hopes to inspire other youth in her community and beyond!

“I love connecting with our future leaders; letting them know that there are many opportunities in this field of work,” said Heidi. “I hope to inspire them, even if it’s just a fraction of the amount of inspiration I gain from them.”

This career has also given Heidi the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Ontario and Canada. When speaking about how this experience has positively impacted her, Heidi said, “I’m not afraid to do anything on my own anymore. It’s quite liberating. I’d miss out on a lot of opportunities if I didn’t learn how to keep myself company, let my guard down, and enjoy life unapologetically.”