Grace Masse
What Education have you taken?
- I have a Business Administration Diploma (ACC)
- I am one practicum shy of my Early Childhood Education Diploma (ACC)
- BA 4 year honours Degree. Majoring in Native studies (BU)
- Currently in Master of Rural Development (BU)
What accomplishments are you proud of?
I received a Manitoba Graduate Studies Scholarship, which has changed my life this term in helping me get a bike trainer to continue my training.
I am proud to be a member of the #ironeagle4mmip team, which is raising awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous people through a Canada wide triathlon journey event this year.
I am proud to be a new member of the Brandon Food Council to help in regards to food security in the city.
I am proud to be a BUASC member helping Be a voice for Indigenous Brandon University Students.
I am proud to be from Barren Lands First Nation.
Tell us about yourself:
I am a mother of 6 children: Faith 7, Joseph 9, Hope 11, Joel 13, Patience 14 and Destiny 18. I am separated and now living in Brandon since August 2019. Before I moved I was commuting from Ste. Rose for 4 years, getting my BA Degree. It was a lot of time on the highway. I try to visit my home town of Brochet, which is the 1,300 km away, where my family lives. I train daily for an Ironman triathlon that I will be doing August 2020 which consists of a 3.8 km swim, a 180 km bike, and a 42.2 km run. Being busy helps me focus on here and not miss my home and family up North so much, because I want to finish my education and see where it takes me and my family.
How did you become interested in your field of study?
I became interested in Rural Development because it let me be close to Brandon where I feel at home. I am so inspired by the professors who have opened my mind to new ways of thinking and learning. It’s amazing to be where I am and proud to be a BU student. Each day that I attend class I know my mind will be engaged in study. I still have so much to learn and glad I chose this field because the professors are A+.
What is your philosophy in life?
My philosophy in life is to make an impact in all that you do. I want to advocate for Indigenous language because language holds so much culture, history, love and identity.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
I am a Cree Teacher and I want to continue to teach Cree. But my utmost goal is to get a PhD in Linguistics so I can further study Indigenous Language. I want to teach at a University one day to not only teach and try to inspire but to learn continuously. Knowledge is the key to all understanding in all aspects of life.
Nominator’s Comments:
Grace Masse is an incredible human, I feel privileged to know and learn from her. In addition to Grace’s full time studies in the BU Master of Rural Development, Grace is a Mom of 6, and training for her first Ironman Triathalon in August 2020 in Penticton, BC. The team is called #ironeagle4mmip a group raising awareness about Missing & Murdered Indigenous People.
Grace teaches Cree language classes with the Brandon School Division. She is passionate about teaching her language to the next generation. She is an active member of the Brandon University Indigenous Student Collective (BUISC) and was awarded a significant Masters Student Graduate Scholarship this term. Recently Grace has been active in an on campus grassroots movement, “Speak Out for Equality” – an opportunity for dialogue about racism using art, story telling and poetry. I am so happy that Grace includes her high school students in events at BU, a natural way for learning and mentorship to take place!
Grace is a positive role model and inspiration for students, staff and Faculty at BU. I truly appreciate our conversations and find her ambitious yet balanced way of life to be such an inspiration!