2025 Masters of Ceremonies
Constance Hope Parisian (Will)
Also known as Will, is a sixteen-year-old, Two-Spirit kid who originates from Winnipeg and Peguis First Nation.
Will is a 11th grade choir student who partakes in all the art and cultural programs their school, Maples Collegiate, offers. To choir, art courses, clothing and textile design. Even being able to partake in an activity called a “cultural credit,” where Will can go every month to find a cultural event to have a piece of their culture with them even when busy in school.
When they were younger, Will would go to powwows, powwow practices, and ceremonies like sweats and Sundance’s to watch and learn teachings. This year will be their own time to start Sundance, making it their first year for a few to come.
Their dad and mom, Peter Parisian Jr. and Crissy Slater, have made their cultural life possible. Even with the tragic passing of their father, making a tear in their cultural activities for a few years. Their mom stepped in to try her hardest to ensure their cultural life stays alive and thriving, taking them to ceremonies, powwows, and telling stories when times were hard. Now they thrive and will be dancing again this year—traditional women’s—and they hope to dance Jingle Dress to heal those who were in the same situation they were four years ago.
One day they hope to create a mix of art and culture to put into the world, whether it be clothes, food, painting, crafting, beading, or even following their mother’s steps in her growing business, “Red-Road Clothing.” They wish to create something to make their Indigenous identity—and others who have lost their own—have a place in the world. One bead at a time.
Zoe Quill
Zoe Quill is a Swampy Cree woman from Sapotaweyak Cree Nation with ties to Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation. She was the 2024 recipient of the MIYAA Health South award.
Zoe graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Genetics at the University of Manitoba in 2023. She has worked at the National Microbiology Laboratory in the Division of Enteric Diseases as a laboratory technician.
A dedicated leader and advocate, Zoe was actively involved in her community throughout her university years. She has experience in health research, including projects aimed at improving infectious disease diagnostics. Zoe has also contributed to health policy, engaging nationally with Indigenous youth on global frameworks, including those of the World Health Organization. Additionally, she has worked in health programming, collaborating with First Nations and Inuit leadership to help build resilient, community-based health systems.
Her contributions have earned her several awards, including the Nellie McClung ‘Yes I Can’ Leadership Award, the University of Manitoba Student Affairs Participation Award, and the Indigenous Award of Excellence in Outstanding Achievement.
Zoe’s work has focused on advancing reconciliation and promoting health equity. She will continue these efforts as a first-year medical student at the Max Rady College of Medicine this fall. Zoe is honoured to serve as co-host MC and is excited to celebrate the achievements of fellow Indigenous youth.