Karine Picard, a proud Wendat First Nation member, is the Manager of National Indigenous Policy Support at the Canadian Coast Guard. In this role, she acknowledges the challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples and strives to be a part of the solution. Karine’s journey in the federal public service began in the inaugural cohort of the Indigenous Student Employment Opportunity program. Since then, driven by fostering Indigenous recruitment, development, and retention in the public service she has dedicated her career to making a positive impact within the public service and beyond. Karine’s dedication is motivated by a desire to give back and support Indigenous Peoples and drives her mission to address barriers and advance reconciliation. She champions innovative approaches, ensuring Indigenous voices shape policies and practices.