Mel Podnar

Mel is a two-spirit mixed Ojibwe and Croatian descent, from treaty thirteen/Tkaronto. They are involved with the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto youth advisory council, and the Oshkii Okitchiidak program at Anishnawbe Health Toronto, and have actively participated with IYR in the past. They are currently studying at Centennial College for the Addiction and Mental Health worker program with hopes of helping other Indigenous youth who may be struggling with homelessness and substance use upon graduation. Mel hopes to bring their knowledge of trauma-informed learning and decolonization to the CAC.