Leslie Spillett has been an advocate on behalf of Winnipeg’s inner-city and the Aboriginal community for more than three decades. Her efforts have encompassed a wide range of issues including education, environment, social justice and human rights. She is the principal founder and executive director of Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc. (meaning those who lead). This culturally based Aboriginal human resource organization has, since its establishment in 2001, assisted some 18,000 people. As a former executive director of Anishnaabe Oway-Ishi, a non-profit, community-based employment and training preparation program for Aboriginal youth, she was instrumental in starting Manitoba’s Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards. It was also while serving as a member of the executive of the Native Women Association of Canada that the Sisters in Spirit campaign was started to raise awareness of the issue of missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Canada, a topic she has addressed at the United Nations World Conference Against Racism. Presently, she is a member of the University of Winnipeg’s inaugural Indigenous Advisory Circle for the Master’s in Development Practice program and is the Dialogue Associate of the University’s Global College.
