Tia Kennedy
Canada (First Nations)
Expertise:
Human Rights
Youth Activist
Founder
Day 3: Solutions
Panel:
Traditional Knowledge and Climate Solutions
Sunday, December 4, 2022
Feature Story
Tia Kennedy is an Indigenous rights activist and youth leader in her community. She comes from two First Nations communities located in what is now known as Canada. She carries Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe teachings from Oneida Nation of the Thames and Walpole Island First Nation. Kennedy is the founder of Kiinew Kwe Consulting, a company that empowers organizations to address discrimination and develop the necessary skills, knowledge, attitudes and values to promote meaningful and effective interactions with Indigenous peoples.
Her work focuses on a community-based and heart-centered approach to climate and racial justice. She has worked with various First Nations and non-Indigenous organizations across Turtle Island to create more equitable relationships with the land and each other. She uses the two-eyed seeing approach of applying Indigenous and Western worldviews to build more harmonious relationships.
Kennedy is a 2021 Girl Rising fellow. During her fellowship, she created a short film highlighting her family's devastating connection to the water crisis in First Nation communities. The film also displayed Indigenous peoples' unique relationship with water while showcasing the beauty and strength of her culture. She is currently writing a science fiction novel and applying to law school.