Dannielle Morrisseau

My name is Dannielle Morrisseau (She/Her) and I am a Metis-Cree Nation woman from Brandon, Manitoba which is located on Treaty 2 Territory. I graduated from the Human Rights program at the University of Winnipeg in 2021. I transferred to U of W from Simon Fraser University in 2017, after learning there was a Human Rights program closer to home where most of my family is from. To be completely fair, transferring from SFU to Winnipeg actually revived my academic career, as suddenly I was in a program I was thoroughly passionate about, that had amazing Professors who genuinely cared about not only my studies but my well-being as well. There were times throughout my last four years that were challenging, not just mentally but physically as well, and the one piece of advice I can give students is reach out. Tell your professors if something is troubling you, if you're having a hard time whether it be in your studies or personal life, they've been through it too and know which supports to connect you with if needed.  

Currently I work as a Community Engagement Coordinator with the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation, a non-profit that aims to lift up the community of Brandon, Manitoba through social advocacy, strengthening housing choices, and improving recreational and leisure amenities, as these are just a few of the things the BNRC does. I was able to accept this position because of my love of Human Rights and advocacy as the BNRC truly has the values and commitments for taking care of the community of Brandon. Much of the work I do is to bring Human Rights issues to our social media pages and get the word out about all the programming that the BNRC offers, programs like our Ask Auntie program which helps Indigenous peoples with needs such as housing, advocacy, ID's, and culturally appropriate supports.

I plan to stay with the BNRC for the time being, but I do want to go back to school and pursue a Master's degree in either Human Rights or Public Policy. If my Human Rights degree has taught me anything, it's to always keep your options open and pursue as many of your own interests as you can, there will always be a unique connection between what your personal interests are and Human Rights that can help you as you move forward in life.