"When you have to do something, don't think, I have to do this'. Look at it as an opportunity and say, I get to do this.'"
This motto guides Shannon Bunn, Funding Officer at Treaty One Nations, in her work, family life, and community involvement.
Profile by Riley Chervinski (Creative Communications, 2016).
A proud member of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation with family ties to Sandy Bay Ojibway Nation, Bunn has spent her career serving urban Indigenous communities and helping build self-reliance and strength for First Nations in Manitoba.
In 2012, as a young parent, Bunn planned to enroll in the Early Childhood Education program at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech). When the program was full, an advisor recommended the Business Administration program, which then offered a flexible, three-year option for students returning to education.
"I was able to commit to my education and my family at the same time because of that program," Bunn said.
The program's supportive environment made a big difference. Bunn appreciated the small class sizes, hands-on learning, and inclusion of Indigenous knowledge. "There was a high rate of Indigenous students in the classroom, which made me feel more comfortable venturing into something new," she said.
Bunn recalls a communications class with instructor Lyall Krahn as a turning point. "I remember questioning why I was in the program and what I wanted to do after," she said. "He gave me good words of encouragement, shared his experiences working with Indigenous communities, and told me how well I was doing. That gave me the confidence to continue with the program."
A Career in Community
The skills Bunn gained at RRC Polytech became the foundation of her career. After graduating in 2015, she brought her skills to the non-profit sector, working to support and strengthen Indigenous communities. Her desire to make a difference comes from her upbringing in Winnipeg's North End.
"I grew up there and could relate to many of the stories of the youth and children in the area and wanted to make a positive impact on their lives," she said.
Her first role was with Graffiti Art Programming Inc., a non-profit that offers free after-school arts programs for youth in Winnipeg's North End and Downtown. She started as a summer student and eventually became a leader in the organization. Over eight years, she grew as a professional and developed her passion for supporting youth and the arts. Today, Bunn serves as the Board Chair and continues to advocate for young people in her community.
After her time at Graffiti Art Programming, Bunn became the Community Coordinator at Merchant's Corner, a mixed-use space in the North End. Once a notorious hotel, the building was transformed into housing and education facilities. As the sole staff member, Bunn helped with the transitional process from the construction phase to the operation phase of this vital community hub.
These experiences prepared her for her current role at Treaty One, where she has worked since 2021. She started as a Program Assistant and is now the Funding Officer, where she takes on tasks like proposal writing, relationship building, and project coordination.
"When I first started, the organization was small, with about 10 staff. As it grew, my role evolved to meet the organization's needs," she explained.
Building Canada's Largest Urban Reserve
At Treaty One, Bunn plays a key role in the development of Naawi-Oodena, Canada's largest urban reserve. The project involves working closely with stakeholders, funders, and community members. Bunn also provides cross-functional department support between Treaty One Nations and Treaty One Development Corporation.
"One of the biggest accomplishments was conducting more than 200 community engagements in just two years," Bunn said. These sessions were important in the process for securing reserve status.
"Our organization will serve as a model for other First Nations communities. As a Treaty One member, this is heart work for me, and I am proud to contribute to something so meaningful."
A Legacy of Leadership
Bunn's dedication to First Nations communities comes from her belief in the importance of independence. "Economic development is the future for our First Nations communities," she said.
"We're creating our own sovereignty, reducing dependencies on government funding, and building prosperity for future generations. The Business Administration program at RRC Polytech provides a great foundation for this work."
Bunn was one of 41 outstanding graduates featured in the College's Polytechnic Proud campaign.
Reflecting on being recognized as a proud RRC Polytech grad in a billboard lighting up the Winnipeg skyline, Bunn shared how much it meant to her and her family.
"It was a very proud moment for me and my family. It meant a lot when I saw that my younger nieces, nephews, and cousins had shared it on social media and said, That's my auntie. That's my cousin.' I hope to be an inspiration and always pass on that message about how important education is for their future, just as my elders shared that message with me."
