Amara Leclair is a proud Red River Métis woman who has roots in Turtle Mountain, St. Norbert and various communities in southern Manitoba. Amara Leclair grew up understanding that she experienced the world in a unique way, learning that to be her authentic self. Amara is passionate about her culture as a Red River Métis woman, and walking her path and healing journey as a spiritual person. She has found herself and built strength by growing through community connection and hearing the stories of others who have learned what it means to be Red Rive Métis. She believes that our healing begins with community connection, culture and connecting to the land by bringing families together, this is the key to bringing wellness to our youth and future generations.

Today, Amara stands grounded in her own story having overcome many challenges and survived abuse, exploitation, and trauma. She has chosen to use her lived experience to show others that trauma does not define us, it is our healing that builds us to who we are. Life does not have to grind us down and harden our hearts, it can give us the strength to show kindness, compassion and courage. We can help others when they are suffering, no one should ever have to suffer alone. These experiences have led Amara to spend the last 18 years of her career helping others who are marginalized by systematic barriers.

Currently Amara is working as a Family Support Coordinator in the Pey Key Way Ta Hi -Bring me Home Program at Infinity Women Secretariat. While working full time, Amara is earning her degree in social work at the University of Manitoba, with the goal to continue helping other Indigenous women begin their healing journey and find their authentic selves. She believes that in sharing our collective stories and working together, no one has to suffer alone in silence. Women have the power to change their stories and rebuild their own lives if they learn how.

Maarsii-Cho.