Starly Brave Rock, Indigenous Relations Consultant, City of Calgary
Oki Niksokowaiks Niisto Anikoohk Siksistoan,
Hello, my name is Starly Brave Rock, my Blackfoot name translates to “Black Knife” in English. I am wife to the late Dana Stanley and Mother to five children. As my late husband and step-children are Paskwawi-Nehiyawewin (Plains Cree), I practice both Nehiyawewin and Nitsitapi teachings in my home and daily life. I am from Kainaiwa and Amskapi Pikani (Browning, MT).
I am currently working for Mohkinitsis, City of Calgary, as an Indigenous Relations Consultant. I am very new this role and I bring with me over 10 years of professional and volunteer experience in community-capacity building and Indigenous Reconciliation. I have held front-line roles, managerial positions, and have led volunteer-based initiatives in my home community of Kainai-Sikoohkitoki (Blood Tribe-Lethbridge). I also hold a Master’s in Leadership degree with Royal Roads University.
Growing up as a second-generation survivor of Canada’s residential school system, I learned early on of the intergenerational and systemic challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada. This has brought me some life experience with substance abuse, domestic violence and grief and loss, to name a few. I have always strived to turn all my experiences towards giving back to community with my knowledge, public service and community endeavors for reconciliation.
I knew Pernell Bad Arm personally, as a child, and later in life, as a Support Worker for the Lethbridge Wellness Shelter and Stabilization Unit (formally known as the Lethbridge Shelter & Resource Centre).
I am grateful to have contributed to the film and amazing work done by Damien Eagle Bear and Mark Brave Rock.