Serena Smith
IRYI Youth
Sing.aay ‘laa, good day.
My Haida name is 7aawée Jaad and my English name is Serena Smith. I’m a citizen of the Haida Nation, born and raised in Skidegate, but recently moved to Ottawa. I have been involved with the IRYI since 2021, which put me on an inherent rights journey that has lasted for years. I’m attending Carleton University for the Masters of Public Policy program and working as an environmental policy analyst for Transport Canada. I owe a lot to the elders, leaders, and youth involved in the IRYI for all of the knowledge, support, and inspiration they have provided me.
I look forward to connecting with everyone in the next round of IRYI! Haaw’a, thank you.