My Introduction

When I meet new folks, I generally introduce myself by name, share that I grew up in a military family, served 28 years in the Canadian military myself, and then became an entrepreneur.

Depending on the situation, I may also share a bit about what I do as an entrepreneur. I act as a Thought Partner helping folks discover opportunities to help them find or create their ideal jobs. And on the flip side, I help employers across Canada create more inclusive workplaces.

Identity is a multi-faceted thing. While I live as authentically as possible, I do not share all of who I am with everyone that I interact with. Most folks know that I’m a military veteran, turned entrepreneur. However, there is much more to my story, and my identity.

Over the last few years, I’ve been learning more about and connecting with my Métis heritage. I started learning Southern Michif (Prairie Woodlands Métis dialect) in September 2022. As I worked my way through the online classes and met with others learning the language in the Meeting my Ancestors community on a regular basis, I started practicing introducing myself in Michif.

I also enjoy the privilege of meeting monthly with a group of folks in Lisa Isaac’s Indigeneity Couch Professional Development sessions. These two online communities provide me with a safe space to practice my introduction.

I could write my introduction in Michif here, but most of you would not be able to read it! I’ve loosely translated my words to English, and added a few extra bits that I have not yet learned how to say in Michif.

I am called Chantal Fraser.

I was born in Germany, where my parents met and married while both serving in the Canadian military.

Now, I live and work in Quinte West (also known as Trenton), Ontario, on the traditional territories of the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe, and Haudenosaunee Peoples.

I am a Métis woman (a citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario), a military veteran, a mother, and a wife.

My Métis ancestors include Albert Fraser (Edmonton, Alberta), Sarah-Jane Vincent (Red River Settlement, Manitoba), John Henry Fraser (Jasper House, Saskatchewan, Rupertsland), and Nancy Ann Beaudry (Carlton House, Alberta).

My purpose in life is to help guide folks to paths they may choose to take. Most of the folks I help are entrepreneurs, people seeking employers whose values align with theirs, and employers striving to create more inclusive and welcoming workplaces.

That’s it for now.

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