Meet the Team
Laura Gagnon
Laura Gagnon (kwe/she/her/elle) is makwa (bear) clan, Ojibwe from Northern Ontario. She comes from a strong line of Indigenous leaders within her community of Aroland First Nation. She holds a Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies, as well as a Master of Arts in Communication from Carleton University. Her research incorporated an ongoing resurgence of traditional ways of knowing, where she captivated ideas of unifying cultural practice, Indigenous feminism and decolonization by using a combination of hauntology, storytelling as methodology and affect theory to discuss connection to spirit, Creator, and ancestors.
She began work in the Federal Government in Indigenous Services Canada in October 2021 in ADMO in the Education and Social Development Programs and Partnerships (EDSPP) sector. Soon thereafter, she transferred to take a position as Senior Executive Assistant in SADMO, gaining experience from a birds eye view. This position allowed her to grow organizationally, engage with and offer Senior Management strategic advice and to grow in the world of Government with encouragement from others.
In August 2022, she was appointed a position as a Policy and Program Officer with a focus on Cultural Education and Communication in the Kumik Elders Lodge. She was lead for a three day virtual event for the first National Day for Truth & Reconciliation where esteemed Elders, Knowledge Keepers and speakers participated. Her ability to facilitate discussions and present difficult topics as they relate to the stories and experiences of Residential School survivors is highly regarded and seen as a strength within her community. In this position, she was able to utilize her extensive years of experience learning from Elders and Knowledge Keepers to show that spirit has a place within the walls (albeit virtually) of Government and other institutions.
In January 2022, she accepted a position as a Communications Advisor within Indigenous Services Canada. Her professional career is ever-changing & dynamic and has grown exponentially during her first year. It is in this role where she will continue to offer her Indigenous lens and incorporate valuable, Indigenous perspectives within the virtual walls of Government.
She is also a singer and takes part in ceremonial events to sing traditional hand drum songs. She has been invited to drum for the Honourable Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, former Governor General David Johnston, Indigenous actor Tom Jackson, Indigenous film maker Alanis Obomsawin and singer-songwriter Gordon Downie and many others.