Brittany Lavallee - Youth Advocacy, Spiritual Connections, The Matriarch Circle

On this episode of Our Storytellers, we sit down with Brittany Lavallee, a passionate youth advocate, researcher, and PhD student at the University of Manitoba. We explore Brittany’s journey growing up in Northern Manitoba and how her experiences shaped her adaptability and connection to her Indigeneity. We discuss her transition into human rights advocacy, her research on birth alerts at the First Nations Family Advocate Office, and her work supporting at-risk youth within the justice system.Britt also reflects on her international humanitarian studies, her personal experience with grief and healing, and her current leadership role advising provincial legislation with the Matriarch Circle.Brittany’s Links:LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/brittanyslavallee7727Linktree: https://linktr.ee/brittanylavalleeFollow Our SocialsTiktok: / ourstorytellersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourstorytel...Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Our-S...Youtube: / @ourstorytellersContent Warning: This episode contains discussions of the child welfare system, birth alerts, the justice system, Indian residential schools, day schools, cancer, and the loss of a parent. Please take care while listening. If you need support, the Hope for Wellness helpline is available 24/7 at 1-855-242-3310 or online at hopeforwellness.ca.Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction & Protocol(01:22) Growing Up RCMP & Moving Around(03:15) Teenage Years & Identity Crisis(07:04) Studying Criminal Justice(09:30) Volunteering in Ecuador(12:06) Human Rights & Birth Alerts Research(18:42) Front-Line Youth Work & Rites of Passage(26:20) Gladue Reports & Systemic Challenges(31:33) Pursuing a Master's Abroad(38:37) Studying Humanitarian Aid in Jordan & Serbia(46:21) Mother's Illness & Passing(48:40) Spiritual Signs, Dreams, & Dimes(01:00:41) Thesis Challenges & OCAP Principles(01:05:39) The Raccoon Blooper(01:18:35) The Matriarch Circle & Provincial Strategy(01:23:27) PhD Journey & Future Goals(01:28:19) The Meaning of Ceremony & Closing