Rebecca Chartand
for Churchill-Keewatinook Aski
I am a matriarch, a mother, and a nation builder — grounded in the strength of my ancestors and guided by the hopes of future generations. I carry the stories, struggles, and spirit of my people, and I believe that true leadership means walking forward with all people — with humility, vision, and a deep respect for all voices at the table.
Rebecca Chartrand is an Anishinaabe, Inninew, Dakota, and Métis leader, educator, and community advocate running as the Liberal candidate in Churchill—Keewatinook Aski. With deep roots across Northern Manitoba, she brings decades of experience addressing critical policy issues such as poverty reduction, anti-racism, education, health, safety, and justice.
A recognized voice in Indigenous education and cultural revitalization, Rebecca is committed to representing Indigenous voices and positioning the North as a strategic economic and cultural force for Canada. Her grassroots-driven 2015 federal campaign came within reach of victory and continues to inspire her commitment to reconciliation, infrastructure development, and bold, community-led leadership focused on housing, health, and economic opportunity.
Rebecca is widely respected for her integrity, courage, and charismatic presence. Her leadership is shaped by Indigenous knowledge systems—valuing collaboration, holistic learning, and shared responsibility. She has worked as a connector between communities, advancing Reconciliation, anti-racism, and Indigenous inclusion through national and local frameworks.
With over 25 years of experience in K-12 and post-secondary education and the arts, Rebecca has served in senior leadership roles including as Vice President of Indspire, where she helped distribute a record $20 million in scholarships to Indigenous students. At Red River College, she launched seven new programs, secured $1.4 million in new funding, and created two student support units.
She currently serves on the boards of the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, the Canadian Museum of Nature, and the Indigenous Education Advisory Council of formerly with Canadian Museum for Human Rights Indigenous Education Advisory Group. Her voice and expertise has been sought by leading education institutions across Canada, including the The Canadian Bureau for International Education, Canadian Teachers’ Federation, Manitoba Teachers’ Society, and the Manitoba Treaty Relations Commission.
Rebecca is the founder of the Manitoba Aboriginal Education Awards and the Council for Indigenous Education in Manitoba (now Full Circle). She has received numerous accolades, including the Indigenous Women in Leadership Award, Banff Leadership Award, and the Excellence in Education Award from the Canadian Race Relations Foundation.
Her cultural work is equally impactful. She led the creation of Manitoba’s first Ojibwe bilingual school (2016) and recently guided Seven Oaks School Division’s development of is supporting the province’s first anti-racism education policy through province wide engagement session. Rebecca is also a musician and playwright—her award-winning album Onjida and the revival of her play Those Damn Squaws reflect her deep commitment to Indigenous storytelling, healing, and truth-telling.
In 2022, she organized a national summit on Indigenous achievement in post-secondary education, advancing dialogue around the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Rebecca continues to volunteer, collaborate, and lead in spaces that empower others and honour the spirit of her ancestors.