Student Bursary
From survival to service: Cassity's journey of resilience and hope
Sep 23, 2025
The weight of raising a young daughter while pursuing her psychology and native studies degree at Brandon University felt overwhelming for Cassity. As a mother from Shoal Lake #40 First Nation, she carried the burden of generational trauma and grew up amid addiction, mental illness and abuse within her family. Homelessness had stolen her sense of security, while disconnection from her Indigenous culture left her feeling adrift and alone.
"The feeling of helplessness and guilt was overwhelming," said Cassity, reflecting on those darkest moments when survival, not dreams, consumed her daily reality.
The TELUS Student Bursary became her "transformative lifeline." Beyond the financial support that made continuing her education possible, it was validation that her potential mattered despite her struggles.
"I didn't have transportation before," she explains. "This bursary allowed me to get my daughter to daycare, focus on my studies and work in community-based roles that align with my career goals."
Cassity's real transformation happened through her commitment to giving back. Despite her challenges, she excelled academically and channeled her experiences into powerful advocacy for Indigenous youth facing similar barriers. Her work centers on showing young people that their circumstances don't define their futures, and that healing and hope are possible even after profound trauma.
Recently, Cassity joined the TELUS Manitoba and Saskatchewan Community Board as a youth ambassador, where she collaborates with local business and community leaders to direct funding to charities addressing youth-focused needs. In this role, she ensures Indigenous voices and perspectives shape decisions about community investment.
"Joining the board has been a surreal experience," she shares. "I am honoured that this group of community leaders values my insights and experience in making these important decisions."
Her board work represents more than professional development; it's a platform for systemic change. Cassity brings lived experience to conversations about youth mental health, Indigenous representation, and community healing, ensuring funding reaches those who need it most.
"It's amazing to have my insights valued in deciding where TELUS' funding will make the biggest impact," she says. "It's an opportunity to give back and support others the way I've been supported."
Cassity is looking toward a future where she can help others navigate mental health challenges, particularly Indigenous youth struggling with trauma.
Today, she continues her studies while expanding her influence from campus to community boardrooms, ensuring Indigenous youth have advocates who understand their journey and can guide them toward hope.
"As an Indigenous woman, I hope to inspire others by showing that it's possible to overcome adversity," Cassity says. "This bursary has been a blessing. It's shown me what's possible when you have the right support."
