Great Concordian: Na’kuset, community organizer and executive director of the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal

Na’kuset, BA 00, has dedicated her life to addressing the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples in Montreal and beyond.

A Sixties Scoop survivor, she was adopted from her Cree family into a Jewish household in Montreal, a process emblematic of Canada’s policies of assimilation.

Though she grew up separated from her culture, Na’kuset’s perseverance and drive have propelled her into roles where she advocates tirelessly for her community.

Currently the executive director of the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal (NWSM), Na’kuset is deeply involved in one of the most significant initiatives of her career: the Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal on Missing Indigenous Children and Unmarked Graves. Set for 2026, the tribunal will shine an international spotlight on systemic crimes committed against Indigenous children in Canadian residential schools.

“When these graves were uncovered, we all said, ‘We told you,’” Na’kuset reflects. “For years, our warnings were dismissed, and now, while there was initial outrage, it’s as though people have stopped caring again. But we cannot let this slide into apathy.”

The Tribunal represents a collaboration between NWSM, Amnistie internationale Canada francophone and an international network of legal experts and advocates.

Na’kuset recalls a pivotal moment in the project’s genesis: “Documentary filmmaker Alethea Arnaquq-Baril tweeted about the need for a Nuremberg-style trial for Indigenous children. That resonated deeply and inspired me to dig into how we could create something similar.”

With advice from Amnesty International in Paris and extensive coordination with Indigenous legal advisors and survivors’ groups, the PPT was born.

Through this work, Na’kuset seeks accountability, not just acknowledgment.

“People hear ‘genocide’ and think only of mass killings,” she explains. “But genocide is multifaceted — it includes cultural erasure, systemic displacement and the deliberate severing of family bonds, all of which are just as devastating.”

Na’kuset’s advocacy extends beyond the Tribunal. Under her leadership, the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal has launched projects such as Miyoskamin, a second-stage housing program, and Resilience Montreal, a wellness centre for Indigenous peoples experiencing homelessness.

Her efforts underscore her philosophy: “You only have one life, and I’ve chosen to live mine as an ‘accomplishment junkie.’ There’s too much at stake to stand still.”

When you reflect on your time as a Concordia student, what stands out?

Na’kuset: My time at Concordia was shaped by the support I received from the Aboriginal Student Resource Centre, which was led by Manon Tremblay [BA 03] at the time. Now it’s called the Otsenhákta Student Centre, but back then, it was a small community that made a big difference for Indigenous students. Manon’s encouragement and the resources they provided were essential — everything from helping with treaty funding issues to creating a space where we could connect with one another. There weren’t many Indigenous students back then, but that sense of belonging kept me going.

My degree in human relations wasn’t just about learning theory; it was about figuring out how to create services for the Indigenous community in Montreal. I started working at a shelter during my last year at Concordia and applied everything I was learning in real-time.

What are some of the factors that have enabled your success?

N: Success for me has been about stepping up when no one else does. I’ve always felt a responsibility to address the gaps in services for Indigenous people in Montreal. That’s what drove me to study human relations and what continues to drive me in my work today.

A typical day doesn’t exist in this field — you plan for one thing, and a crisis changes everything. Flexibility is key. I’ve also learned to collaborate with others who bring unique expertise. Whether it’s organizing events like Every Child Matters or working on systemic issues like youth protection and homelessness, it’s always about building networks and focusing on the greater good.

What advice do you have for students who may want to follow in your footsteps?

N: Be patient and persistent. Change takes time. Mary Two-Axe Earley, one of my role models, fought for 20 years to achieve gender equality for Indigenous women. Her story reminds me that this work is a marathon, not a sprint.

Also, surround yourself with people who inspire you and who have the skills you might lack. I often think of myself as an ‘Indigenous Andy Warhol.’ I might have the vision, but I rely on the best people to help make it a reality. Teamwork and collaboration are key to achieving anything meaningful.

How does it feel to be a Great Concordian?

N: Honestly, I’m not sure how to feel about it. I’ve never done this work for recognition, and sometimes I think, ‘Why me?’ But if being named a Great Concordian shines a light on the issues I care about, then I’ll embrace it.

For me, this recognition is a reminder of how much work still needs to be done. Indigenous people welcomed settlers to this land, and today we’re the highest population experiencing homelessness. I hope this moment of acknowledgment can inspire action and help to lead to real change for our communities.