Feature interview with NCF Director April Mitchell-Boudreau
As we continue down the path of understanding our past and creating a vision for our future, it’s vital that we invite new perspectives to the table. It’s a common tendency to have board rooms become echo chambers where the same belief systems are shared and narrow perspectives become expected. It’s easy for this to happen and it can be difficult to disrupt the status quo and bring about organizational change and evolution.
Knowing the potential of this pitfall, several years ago, the NCF Board of Directors adopted a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy. This document made strategic recommendations to work against the tendency of operating in a vacuum, specifically addressing the diversity of our Board. If we are to represent the region of Niagara, our Directors had to reflect the diversity of our community.
In 2021 NCF was honoured to welcome a much needed new voice around the table: April Mitchell-Boudreau. April is the first Indigenous person around the NCF Board table and not only does her presence mark a milestone in NCF’s history, but she opens the windows of the room the allow for fresh perspectives, new ideas and traditional teachings to guide our work. We are so grateful that April has joined our Board as a Director and it is our privilege to introduce her to you today, through this feature interview.
Tell us about yourself and your connection to Niagara.
A: I’m a happily married mother of two grown children, and I live in St. Catharines.
I am the CEO of Lofttan jewelry, and the inventor of the Lofttan strand system.
A fun fact about me is that my husband and I write, record, and sometimes perform music together.
We also love to go on hikes in the beautiful landscape in Niagara.
I was born in Hamilton, and moved to Niagara when I was a teenager. Niagara is situated on the traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee and Anishnaabe people. As a Kaniekn’keha:ke (Mohawk) person, I feel strong ties here.
The Mohawk Nation is part of the Confederacy of the Six Nations, known as the Haudenosaunee, or People of the Longhouse. My relatives are from Six Nations the St. Regis Reserve.
What drew you to the NCF board?
A: I was so honoured to be invited to be a part of the NCF board by two people I hold in the highest esteem for their integrity and their heart for giving back to the community. As an Indigenous woman, this resonated with me, as I am motivated by the idea of lifting up community, always.
I am the former Chair of the Board for The TD Niagara Jazz Festival. In this role, I had the opportunity to witness the impact of The Niagara Community Foundation on the Arts.
As someone who is passionate about fostering the power of the Medicine of Creativity within individuals, groups, and the community at large, this was very important to me.
What expertise or experience do you bring to the NCF board?
A: I am a long time artist, maker, and entrepreneur. As a small business owner, I possess an intimate knowledge of starting a small business and growing it sustainably. I have devoted my business to the goal of employing our community, so this position on the board felt like a natural fit.
I have the superpower that comes from growing up in poverty — learning to do more with less. As an out-of-the-box thinker, my commitment to curiosity serves NCF well by broadening the perspective of the board.
Fall is a season of reflection as we anticipate National Truth and Reconciliation Day/ Orange Shirt Day (Sept. 30) and National day of Action for MMIWG2S+ (Oct.4). As a community foundation and a member of the philanthropic sector, we are on a constant learning journey as we build our awareness of our past and create a vision for an inclusive future. What does philanthropy mean to you in the context of truth and reconciliation?
A: The Indigenous worldview would not see this a philanthropy, but as a way of taking care of community. It’s a natural way to operate; to share, to support, and to uplift.
For me, this way of being is about empowerment. Creating opportunities to learn, and to have your growth fostered and supported by a community truly makes all the difference. There is a ripple effect, felt through whole families, and ultimately whole communities.
The Truth is still being revealed and understood on a path toward reconciliation. As painful and uncomfortable as it is, this is a necessary part of the whole process of healing a vast wound on this country.
We all want reconciliation, AND we can’t skip truth. The truth is empowering to all.
Also: SEARCH THE LANDFILL.
What gives you hope for future generations here in Niagara?
A: One of the things that gives me hope for future generations in Niagara is seeing our Indigenous youth have the opportunity to learn traditional ways, learn and practice ceremony, revitalize language, and receive Grandmother and Grandfather teachings. This is then shared with the wider community, and everyone benefits. It is Medicine of the highest order. There is much healing available here for not only the Indigenous community, but for all.
The authentic commitment of an organization like NCF to this community also fosters hope for me, and I believe, in the community as well. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve.
Professional Highlights/Expertise
- Lofftan is carried in 33 Rexall stores across the country, including the Pine Street Rexall in Thorold. They carry the “frosting” of our line. Also available at 5 Niagara Parks locations, Fort York, The ROM, and more to come. You can also find us locally at Upper Canada Native Arts, and Pamela’s in Jordan, to name a few.
- We are part of something very exciting coming up in October. Stay tuned!
- I am regularly asked to speak on entrepreneurship and social media by various groups. This October, I’ll be speaking at an upcoming Indigenous Youth Forum in Vancouver.
- I deliver workshops for schools, as well as organizations.
- In one we look at the impact of Residential schools on families, and we make a Unity Bracelet together.
- In another, I give teachings on the Medicine Wheel, and we make Medicine Wheel bracelets together to anchor us to those wellness teachings.
- Instagram: @lofttan
