Michael Redhead Champagne is working towards a revolution that dismantles harmful systems and builds up new ones based on justice, equity, and love. A community leader from Winnipeg's North End with family roots in Shamattawa First Nation, Michael is host, helper, published author, on-screen personality and sought after public speaker. Michael happily shares his words, wisdom, and welcoming energy across Canada and around the world.
Michael believes Indigenous knowledge will save the world and this can be seen in his commitment to Ininew concepts such as wahkotowin, mino bimadisiwin & sakihitowin. He is actively working on reclaiming his Ininew language and has started a language nest at the St John's Public Library. Whether it's eliminating poverty, ending homelessness or, Michael wants everyone to find and share their gifts. He organizes the annual North End Grad Walk, the North End Historical Society and is a board member for Fearless R2W & the Manitoba Health Coalition.
You can find him speaking out about poverty, politics and reconciliation on podcasts, video projects and in the news. Featured on multiple TEDx Talks, APTN’s Michif Country & First Contact, Michael is also developing a number of storytelling and multimedia projects. He loves family friendly jokes, Tetris, Stevie Wonder music and celebrating the success of others. Michael's first children’s book, We Need Everyone, is available now.
Photos
Awards and Achievements:
2019 Traveled to Belize to work with Maya youth on building their own movement
2019 Advisor and host of live reunion show for First Contact Season 2 on APTN
2019 Kids Help Phone - Indigenous Advisory Committee
2018 Kids Help Phone Regional Volunteer Award - Adult
2017 Govenor General’s Meritoris Service Decoration recipient for Outstanding Indigenous Leadership
2016 Canadian Red Cross Young Humanitarian of the Year
2016 CBC Manitoba Future 40 recipient
2015 TIME Magazine Next Generation Leader
Member of Bank of Canada’s #bankNOTEable advisory committee which selected Viola Desmond as the first Canadian woman to appear on a new bank note.
Member of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment with the Employment and Social Development Canada
2013 Manitoba Hero
2009 Future Leader of Manitoba
2008 Aboriginal Youth Achievement Award - Community
Community Involvement:
Fearless R2W
North End Renewal Corporation
Restorative Justice Association of Manitoba
Kids Help Phone Indigenous Advisory Council
Portage Place Community Voices Committee
United Way of Winnipeg’s Council for Indigenous Relations
City of Winnipeg Crime Prevention and Safety Committee
University of Manitoba Rady Faculty of Health Sciences Social Accountability Committee
Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Sexually Transmitted and Blood Bourne Illness Outreach and Response Team
VIDEOS
PRODUCED BY National Association of Indigenous Workers
Canadian Red Cross Young Humanitarian of the Year
