Gwen Hamilton

Gwen (she/they) is a mixed youth, currently based out of unceded Algonquin territory near Kanà:tsio (Ottawa). Her maternal family is Kanien’kehá:ka from Kahnawà:ke, while her paternal ancestry is of Irish and Scottish settler descent. Gwen was raised outside of her traditional languages, cultures and communities, but is actively working to reconnect and reclaim them.

Gwen has previous experience working with youth as an educator, and they are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experiences. They love connecting with people, sharing stories and foods, learning about each other’s cultures and histories and languages, and building solidarity. They believe that solidarity is essential both for building healthier and stronger communities, and for decolonization.

If Gwen could have any superpower, she would have the power to instantly master any language she hears or sees, and to understand the culture and worldview that language carries, because she wants to be able to speak to everyone in their own language. She does enjoy learning new languages, but she’s really bad at it!! (mostly it’s for the food, though. Imagine all the amazing things you’d get to eat if you could speak to all the grandmas in the world?)