Thom Collegiate
Tansi, Anīn, Umba Waste, Hello. I am Lynnisa Acoose-Pasap, a Grade 12 student at Thom Collegiate. I am a proud Nēhiyaw, Anihšināpē, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Nakota), and Métis young woman. I am a member of White Bear First Nation and represent them as their Senior Princess. As a Jingle Dress dancer, I represent my nation at powwows and also at school events.
I value my leadership role within the school and community. Although I get nervous, I use my voice because I want to teach others about my language and culture. My speaking engagements incorporate the Nehiyaw and Anihšināpē languages at Orange Shirt Day assemblies, media interviews related to Indigenous education and Summer Games, Remembrance Day ceremonies, MMIW community events, and several Regina Public Schools youth forums.
I am an athlete for the track and field, cross-country and basketball teams at Thom Collegiate. Additionally, I have competed in the Tony Cote Winter Games, Indigenous Summer Games and the North America Indigenous Games.
I recognize the value of giving back to my community. I actively participate in cultural and spiritual ceremonies because I believe it is crucial to carry on traditions. Passing on the knowledge of speaking and learning the Nēhiyaw, Anihšināpē, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Nakota) languages is very important for Indigenous identity, which I will focus on in my post-secondary studies in political science.
My desire is to work within my own community, White Bear First Nation, as a Band Council member and, hopefully, Chief. Next, I envision myself as a Member of Parliament within the Canadian Government to share my cultural values to reform Canadian laws and social programs.
