Hymie Rubenstein ——Bio and Archives--September 17, 2025

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Manitoban Indigenous politician Nahanni Fontaine was recognized as a "beacon of advocacy and leadership" in April 2024.

According to her "Humble Beginning Stories" biography, Fontaine "embodies the spirit of resilience and dedication in her role as a Canadian provincial politician."

Though a member of the Sagkeeng Anishinaabe Indian Band, Fontaine was raised in Winnipeg's hardscrabble Point Douglas neighbourhood, home to about one-third of the city's indigenous population.

The adversities Fontaine experienced growing up, including alleged childhood sexual abuse, did not prevent her from pursuing an advanced education, including earning a Master of Arts degree in native studies at the University of Winnipeg.

Her biography claims, "These academic achievements laid the foundation for her profound understanding of Indigenous rights and social justice issues."

Fontaine's political career soared when she was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba for the inner-city riding of St. Johns, abutting Point Douglas in 2016. In the 2023 election, she received 61 percent of the popular vote in this perennial NDP stronghold. As a self-professed advocate for marginalized aboriginal communities, Fontaine has spearheaded legislative initiatives aimed at enhancing the safety and well-being of indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit individuals.

In 2023, Fontaine's leadership was further recognized when she was sworn in as Minister of Families, Accessibility, and Gender Equity.

Despite this rise in power, Fontaine's time in office has been marred with controversy.

On March 10, 2021, Fontaine was removed from the House for the rest of the day for saying the Progressive Conservatives, then the party in power in Manitoba, "just don't give a crap" about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people.

Worse outbursts soon followed.

Fontaine's steady rise in influence was severely damaged after she used her privileged position to block the use of American Sign Language (ASL) for people with hearing disabilities at a graduation ceremony for indigenous women on Thursday, June 26.

Sign-language specialist Sheryl LaVallee shared the graduation ceremony stage alongside........

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