Kieran McMonagle [windspeaker confidential]

Windspeaker: What one quality do you most value in a friend?
Kieran McMonagle: The quality that I most value in a friend is loyalty. In today’s society and with the use of social media it is far too easy to share information. To have a friend stay true to me, to their word, and to themselves and their values, beliefs is the most I could ever ask for.

W: What is it that really makes you mad?
K.M.: The thing that makes me most angry is racism. Racism is very prevalent in my community and I never was aware of it growing up. Having worked frontline for the past few years, not only have I seen people experience racism from other community members, agencies, businesses, but I have experienced it first-hand as a professional.

W: When are you at your happiest?
K.M.: I think this is a tie. I am at my happiest after helping someone see the potential in themselves; it is so rewarding to know that you have been able to make a positive difference in someone’s life. I am also at my happiest being around my daughter; she is so innocent, always learning and exploring new things.

W: What one word best describes you when you are at your worst?
K.M.: Worrisome.

W: What one person do you most admire and why?
K.M.: The person that I most admire is my mother. She has taught me the value of hard work, standing up for what you believe in, and believing in yourself. There have been many times throughout my life that I have questioned what I was doing, or where I was going, and all I would have to do is have a short chat with my mother to have things all make sense again. Even if I was to stray away from the intended path, there was always a lesson to be learned and experiences to gain.

W: What is the most difficult thing you’ve ever had to do?
K.M.: The most difficult thing I had to do was pack up and leave my family for a place I had never been; little did I know this also turned out to be one of the best things that I have ever done.

W: What is your greatest accomplishment?
K.M.: My greatest accomplishment is my beautiful child. I never really understood how people could go on and on about their children until I had one of my own. She is just under two years but is so full of life, laughter and love; teaching me to be patient, kind, to observe, and most importantly to take my time because life is far too short.

W: What one goal remains out of reach?
K.M.: The one goal that remains out of reach for me is to obtain a master’s degree. I am still quite young, and have a lot of goals ahead of me but I do think that this one is a ways down the list at this point in my life. I know that with my love for learning it will one day be attainable, but there are so many things taking precedence at this point.

W: If you couldn’t do what you’re doing today, what would you be doing?
K.M.: If I couldn’t do what I am doing today I think that I would be travelling the world, experiencing new cultures, places, and different ways of life.

W: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
K.M.: Be miserable or motivate yourself; whatever has to be done it’s always your choice!

W: Did you take it?
K.M.: I did take it! I had to find motivation within myself and my surroundings to complete the tasks at hand. I now have this posted in my office and read it when I need a little inspiration.

W: How do you hope to be remembered?
K.M.: I hope to be remembered as a great mother, daughter, sister, partner and friend. I also hope to be remembered for the positive difference I make helping Aboriginal communities, organizations become sustainable.

Keiran McMonagle is the program manager for the Dryden Native Friendship Centre in Dryden, Ont. As manager, McMonagle has designed and implemented comprehensive programming for at-risk Aboriginal children. McMonagle grew up in Dryden, the eldest of two girls. Raised by both parents in separate households after divorce she says she was unaware of the scope of her Métis heritage until she was 12 years old. “Once our Métis heritage was confirmed it was as if I gained a part of my soul,” McMonagle said, “a part I never knew was missing.”  She said her heritage has played a huge role in her life since. “As a mother I want to ensure that my daughter is raised with a strong understanding of her culture, customs and traditions. I also work at the community level within a non-profit Aboriginal organization. I take a vast pride in my culture, our history, and the many obstacles our people have overcome.” McMonagle has a background in First Nations Community Studies and Aboriginal Program Management from the College of the Rockies and Assiniboine College respectively. Presently she is working on an advanced diploma in Aboriginal Community Development with specialization in Economic Development.