Business: Cultural compass

"Lead with my heart; stay rooted in who I am."

Meet Marcedes. Rooted. Resilient. Remarkable.
Hometown: Kinistin Saulteaux Nation
Degree: Business Administration | Major: General Management

The path to convocation wasn’t without twists and turns for Marcedes Moosewaypayo. But now that she’s here, she’s looking forward to being able to give back.

Moosewaypayo first came to Mount Royal University in 2014 as a part of a life skills program for Indigenous youth. After touring the campus and learning about the supports at MRU’s Iniskim Centre, she knew it was the school for her.

She first joined the Aboriginal Education Program (now the Indigenous University Bridging Program, took a break to attend the Louis Riel School, then returned to MRU for the Bachelor of Business Administration — General Management program, opting for a double minor in Indigenous studies and social innovation.

“I enjoyed social innovation courses because they aligned with my passion for creating positive, community-driven change. Especially within Indigenous communities,” Moosewaypayo shares.

“These courses encouraged me to think beyond traditional problem-solving by blending creativity, collaboration and real-world impact. What I find most meaningful is how social innovation focuses on listening to communities and building solutions that are culturally relevant and sustainable.”

Moosewaypayo let her hunger for growth and a better future fuel her academic efforts, but she admits as a single mom of two, sometimes the crushing weight of it all felt unbearable.

“I constantly battled with guilt, feeling like I wasn’t spending enough time with my sons, like I was missing out on moments I’d never get back. I often questioned if I was doing the right thing. But deep down, I knew I was building something bigger for us, a foundation, a future,” she says.

“They have been my strength, my purpose and the reason I kept going even when things felt impossible. I wanted to show them what perseverance looks like and that even when life gets hard, we keep moving forward for the people we love.”

Moosewaypayo adds that her educational journey stretched her in ways she never imagined — but it also showed her just what she’s capable of.

“I’m filled with pride not just in the degree itself, but in the growth, the sacrifice and the love that carried me through it.”

One of the biggest insights Moosewaypayo gained attending MRU is the importance of staying connected to her cultural identity, especially in the face of hardship.

“In those moments, it was my culture that carried me. The teachings, the ceremonies, the support of community and the strength of my ancestors helped me keep going,” she shares, adding that success doesn’t mean letting go of who you are.

“My identity isn’t something separate from my education; it’s central to it. My experiences, my grief, my resilience and my cultural knowledge all have value. That lesson taught me how to lead with my heart, stay rooted in who I am and carry both my pain and my purpose forward.”

There, through every peak and valley, was Moosewaypayo’s mentor and cheerleader, Iniskim Centre director Tori McMillan.

“He never stopped believing in me. He always encouraged me to keep going, even when I wasn’t sure I could. That kind of support meant more than I can put into words,” she explains.

“It’s been incredibly special to share that journey with someone who’s had such a powerful impact on my life. His constant support, patience and belief in me have shaped not just my education, but the person I’ve become.”

McMillan says Moosewaypayo, who serves the Iniskim Centre as an administrative assistant, brings passion and purpose to everything she does, including mentoring new students.

“Students appreciate her guidance and advice because they see her as credible and authentic,” he says, adding that Moosewaypayo leads by example.

“Being able to show up for students, to listen, support and just be someone they can count on … I’ve been on the receiving end of that kind of support; I know how powerful it can be,” Moosewaypayo says.

“It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about walking alongside someone as they figure things out for themselves.”

Like any good mentor, she has one last piece of advice: be kind to yourself and take it one step at a time.

“It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. It’s okay to not have everything figured out,” she says.

“There will be tough days, but each one teaches you something valuable. You’ll get through it, and when you do, you’ll realize how much strength and resilience you’ve gained along the way. Trust in yourself. You’ve got this.”

Next, Moosewaypayo says she plans to use her education and life experiences to give back and help create meaningful opportunities for the Indigenous community, potentially return to school to further her education and last but not least, spend some more time with her boys.

“More bedtime stories, more laughter, more peace.”