Kwe’ My name is Chelsey Purdy, I am a member of Acadia First Nation and have mixed Mi’kmaq and settler ancestry. Currently, I live in K’jipuktuk (Halifax, Nova Scotia), but grew up in Liverpool and Yarmouth Nova Scotia in the Kespuwick district (South Shore of Nova Scotia).
Currently, I am a graduate student studying at Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) in the Department of Applied Human Nutrition. My thesis project explores food security and sovereignty for Indigenous people living with HIV/AIDS through arts-based research. I also work as a coordinator for a youth program in collaboration with local Mi’kmaw communities and MSVU. In this position, I get to create opportunities for youth aged 12-15 to engage in culturally relevant science education. In this position, I have also been fortunate to receive funding through CRE’s CREation program to support wellness programming for youth.
Recently, I wrapped up a position with CRE’s Indigenous Youth Policy School as the East Coast Cohort Facilitator where I had the opportunity to connect and learn with Mi’kmaq youth about policy. I’m looking forward to continuing my involvement with CRE through the CREation grants Advisory Circle, where I hope to learn more about the amazing work being funded across Canada.
