Boozhoo nindawemaaganidog, Giizibaa Giizigoons nindigoo anishinaabemowin. Name nindoodem, Couchiching First Nation niin nindoonjibaa.

Boozhoo, my name is Alacea Yerxa, and I am an Anishinnaabe-ikwe from Couchiching First Nation located on Treaty Three Territory. Currently, I am in my final semester of Biomedical Sciences at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) with future plans of pursuing a Master’s in Molecular Science. Outside of academics, I hold a position at TMU’s Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Sciences as the Indigenous Outreach Specialist, where I develop programming that intertwines Western STEM knowledge with Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Through this, I work with Indigenous youth and educators to inspire our future leaders in pursuing higher education. I am passionate about creating a community-driven space, and this translates into both my work in Outreach as well as through student groups. To elaborate, I am the president of the Indigenous Student Association at TMU, where we work together to create a community that provides engaging and inspiring events for Indigenous students. In my free time, I love to spend my time outdoors exploring new spaces, spending time with family and friends, Pow Wow dancing, running, and reading

• • • Speaker Quote: “Forever grateful for the opportunity to learn, and engage with our current and future leaders of our community.”