MIRANDA LAMOUCHE’S journey is one of rediscovery, resilience, and inspiration. Growing up, Miranda faced challenges navigating her identity as an Indigenous person. She wasn’t raised within her Indigenous culture, which made connecting with her heritage and community difficult.

Her childhood was shaped by intercommunity politics, growing up in a Métis settlement where her mother’s, and later her own, Treaty status caused her to feel like an outsider. These experiences created a sense of disconnection—not only from her community but also from herself. “I couldn’t wait to leave,” she admits, and it’s still difficult to be back.

Before discovering the Indigenous Friends Association (IFA), Miranda often felt creatively stifled, with no one to look up to and no advice readily available. These barriers made it difficult for her to pursue her passion for art and writing, leaving her unsure of where to find inspiration or direction.

Her journey with IFA began by accident when she stumbled upon the IndigiTAL program while researching names for her business plan and digital store. Intrigued, Miranda explored IFA’s programs and found herself drawn to IndigiTAL—and later, IndigiTECH. The vibrant artwork of Tsista Kennedy caught her attention, and the programs’ focus on fostering creativity and connection struck a chord. “Everything IFA provides is exactly what I wanted to make for others,” she shares.

Through IndigiTAL, Miranda embraced digital tools like Procreate on her iPad. The program also enhanced her communication skills, making her more comfortable sharing her thoughts online. Guest speaking sessions left her inspired by speakers whose spiritual connections sparked a new sense of purpose and possibility.

In IndigiTECH, Miranda dove into web development, learning CSS and HTML as foundational skills. She found herself revamping her resume and growing more confident in her technical abilities. The hands-on projects allowed her to bring together her creative and technical sides. One project, a website for her nonprofit initiative called Cree-atively Reconnecting and Learning, was a source of pride. “It got me out of a rut,” she says. “When the inspiration came, it didn’t stop.”

What stood out most for Miranda, though, was the sense of community in the programs. “I LOVE my cohort,” she says of IndigiTECH. “We stoked each other’s passions and fed off each other’s energy.” The mentors and instructors also left a lasting impact, helping her envision a future where she could share her own reconnection journey and inspire others.

Recently, Miranda secured a web development internship, where she’s excited to apply the skills she honed through IFA’s programs. As she looks to the future, her plans are clear: to create her own space that fosters reconnection and leaves a legacy to be proud of.

Her advice to anyone hesitant to reconnect with their roots? “It’s never too late to reconnect. Don’t be afraid to keep trying—something might surprise you, and that could be life-saving.”