Janice Messam is an RECE whose experiences working within the Inuit community of Ottawa have led her to find her second career driven by a passion to serve. After 14 years as a professional dancer, Janice moved to Ottawa and her journey at Inuuqatigiit Centre for Inuit Children, Youth and Families began in 2006 as an adult student learning the craft of early childhood education. She has had the privilege of walking alongside, learning from, and supporting Inuit families in Ottawa for the last 18 years. She is currently the Manager of Family Well-being and enjoys the vast array of responsibilities that she has, ranging from advocating with provincial/territorial, municipal and federal leaders, to mentoring front-line staff that assist Inuit with both crisis and basic needs, provide cultural programming, navigate the child welfare system, and provide cultural connection when in Ottawa for their medical needs. Janice has learned to listen and advocate for the community as needed but recognizes that the role of a settler ally is to make way for and empower community to take the lead. During her years at Inuuqatigiit Centre she has developed many long-lasting and meaningful relationships with community members and partner agencies and is proud to have a trusted role with the community.
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Tuesday, April 15, 2025
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM EDT