Kananish McKenzie

Spokesperson for the Youth Network of First Nations of Quebec

Kananish is a young Indigenous woman from the Innu Nation of Matimekush Lac-John, located in northern Quebec. She was elected as a spokesperson for the Youth Network of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador in 2023 and is actively involved in various councils and organisations. 

Protecting the territory is crucial for her as it relates to the identity of young Innu people. She advocates for amplifying the voices of Indigenous youth on issues such as land, language, and mental health. Kananish is also a member of the Youth Council at Four Direction Youth Mental Wellness Circles and the Youth Council of the Assembly of First Nations.