Oki, tan'si, and hello,

My name is Natalie Wynn-Dempsey (aka Miss Natalie of Little Wonders). My traditional name is Rainbow Eagle Woman. My family has numerous opportunities to express themselves through the diverse and vibrant perspectives rooted in our African and First Nations ancestry, among others. I proudly honour my Lenape heritage from Delaware Nation at Moraviantown through my maternal grandmother, as well as my Tsalagi heritage through my paternal grandmother. Additionally, I am a proud member of the Painted Feather Woodland Métis Community.

As a mother to three amazing adult children and a grandmother to two grandsons, with a granddaughter due in September, I couldn't be prouder. My loving and supportive husband has been a constant source of strength in my life. The relationships I have with my family, whether through birth, adoption, marriage, or chosen bonds, have played a vital role in nurturing my self-compassion and love. I am always in a process of discovery and wonder, continuously embracing learning as a way of being.

The beautiful nature of reciprocity, deeply rooted in Indigenous culture, holds profound meaning. As a former participant in the Momentum Program, I had the opportunity to transform the Little Wonders early literacy music and play program into a thriving business within the community. Even after 18 years, it remains vibrant and active, now embracing and reflecting traditional teachings while serving Indigenous families in the community. This experience was a turning point in my life and career, and I will always cherish it. Rejoining this community in a changemaker role is a tremendous honour, as it would allow me to contribute to its ongoing growth and transformation.

As a Community oskâpêwis (Helper), I prioritize acknowledging and integrating Indigenous cultural teachings into program offerings, drawing on the wisdom of Elders and Knowledge Keepers. I am excited about the opportunity to serve as the Indigenous Engagement Coordinator, utilizing my 30+ years of professional experience and expertise in curriculum development, as well as the ancestral wisdom that I have humbly inherited and actively engaged with through ceremonies and guidance from Elders and Knowledge Keepers. This engagement will continue to be a lifelong commitment.

In this role, I am dedicated to guiding Momentum's Truth and Reconciliation plan, drawing upon the invaluable support of the community. Through creating meaningful offerings and fostering nurturing relationships centred on growth, I aim to address the intricate needs and aspirations of those we partner with.Throughout my life, I have embraced various titles, roles, and ways of being, including being a Toddler Truck Accident Survivor in Spain, a Roller-skater Extraordinaire, a Dancing Dynamo, a Candy Girl-Confectionist, the Niece of Truck Driver Uncles with a Flair for Interior Design, the Proud Virgo, a Dark Chocolate Devotee, a Quote Collector Extraordinaire, a Tea Aficionado, a Children's Literature Enthusiast, an oskâpêwis(The Helper), a Drummer, the Singer of Ancient Songs, the Family Fire Keeper, a Circle Keeper, a Historical Drama Lover, a Seeker of Sacred Spaces, a Child's Play Champion and someone who Loves to Love.

Each of these experiences and more continues to shape and inform the values that I wholeheartedly embrace in my approach to working within the community.