When did that become you being a public figure?
"It all began in 2015 when I went to share my story at the Spirit of Our Sisters gathering. I spoke about my mother who was murdered in 1999, What came of it was beautiful and amazing. I really made an impact and had women lined up to talk to me and share their support and stories. After that I started to get requests to speak all the time.
I did a feature in Redx talks, I was a keynote speaker at the National Models UN conference at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, teaching them about history, survival and it affects us today."And what drives this woman to fight for the rights, to be seen, to be heard? It was a simple, yet so impactful statement: "Having the trauma stop at me."
Stephanie has become a national advocate and speaker for the missing and murdered indigenous women as well as educating the masses of understanding that human trafficking is affecting all Canadians, not just indigenous people.
"I find strength and pride in the struggle. I am just giving the people what was really needed. Helping them by educating them. They just need to understand what is going on! By doing that maybe we can get some more cooperation and support from our government. Getting a good working relationship with the government will bring a much brighter future.
Ever since realizing how much power my voice had, I have achieved immense success in everything I do!
What accomplishments to you want to make
with your career?
"I know I am going to do something big and impactful for my country. I don't know what it is yet, but life is leading me there.
Music is always going to be a priority for me though!"
Stephanie also just became the Leadership Coordinator for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women. She is working directly under Muriel Stanley Venne and her daughter Rachelle Venne. Muriel is an Aboriginal activist in the areas of human rights and social justice which has led to empowerment for many Aboriginal people. She recently had a building put up in her honor.
What is your Muse?
The reaction of the people makes me do what I do. Period. Leadership, education and getting everyone aware of what is going on around them."
It was wonderful meeting this woman. She is a force to be reckoned with and is definitely creating awareness and opportunity with every little, and big, thing she does.
It takes courage to step up and do something. It takes drive, direction and motivation to face adversity. She has taken that step, now it is up to us to help her continue on her journey!
.
Stephanie Harpe Experience