This month marks four years of Culturally Committed—a milestone made even more special by the significance of the number four in Indigenous culture. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the journey that brought us here.
My name is Kim Trottier, and I founded Culturally Committed in October 2020, inspired by my experiences as a non-Indigenous person working in First Nations communities. Over the past eleven years, the treasured relationships I’ve built have profoundly transformed my understanding of Canada’s history, Indigenous Peoples, and systemic oppression. This work has been a humbling journey of unlearning biases and deepening my commitment to cultural safety.
The idea for this space was born out of these experiences and the immense gift of being in relationship with Indigenous mentors. Their generosity and love helped me understand that if other non-Indigenous people could access sincere relationships with mentors and knowledge keepers, it could transform how they approached their work.
Culturally Committed began from a moment of clarity—a realization of my own ignorance as a healthcare provider trying to offer culturally safe care. It was the mentorship of First Nations people who took me under their wing that ignited this work. Their guidance taught me that creating a space for mentorship could help others approach their work with humility and a deeper understanding of what it means to pursue culturally safe relationships.
When I embarked on this journey, my non-healthcare professional skills were almost nonexistent. I’ll never forget October 1, 2020—the day I realized I had to move forward. That evening, I was explaining my vision to my family, admitting my shortcomings, when my then fourteen-year-old son piped up: “You can build a website on Wix, Mom. Just make an account.” And that’s exactly what I did. From there, I took the first steps, driven by a deep desire to ensure the work aligned with the values and wishes of Indigenous communities. I hosted virtual focus groups despite never having led a Zoom meeting before. New challenges kept arising—websites, automated emails, integrations, insurance, accounting, marketing…and the writing! I have written more in the past four years than I ever imagined possible. I didn’t have the expertise I felt I needed, but now I see that lack of experience as a gift. Without the pressure to conform to a corporate model, we’ve had the freedom to grow and adapt as needed.
Between October 2020 and January 2021, I built relentlessly, striving to lay the foundation for a model that was community-driven and sustainable. When it came time to launch, I wondered if anyone would sign up. But on January 27, 2021, the registrations began to trickle in. I cried with relief and gratitude.
Guided by the wisdom of our mentors, we’ve built something unique: an organization rooted in relational, collaborative work grounded in Indigenous values. Respect, transparency, and accountability aren’t just words—they are the pillars of everything we do. Our work isn’t about fitting into a mold; it’s about honouring the teachings shared with us and striving to make our ancestors proud while laying the groundwork for future generations.
I often think about something my mentor George shared: “Who you surround yourself with tells you who you are.” Today, I reflect on the mentors who have stood with me on this journey and shaped this work. Dan, George, Asli, Thomas, Candice, Jenn, Emily, Qwustenuxun, Len, Kalila—your teachings have enriched my life and this community beyond measure. To be surrounded by such wisdom and love is the greatest gift, and I hope to honour all that you’ve shared by continuing to walk this path with humility and dedication.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our founding members. To those who have been with us from the beginning—Melissa Huston, Kathleen Carlson, Ashley Robertson, Anna Nelson, Christine Thomas, Tracey Thompson, Tabitha Tucker, Alexis Stuart, Lorna-Jayne Hardemay, Alana Prashad, Caylie Graham, Philip Birrer, Maria Kang, Trevor Rotzien, Kyle Pearce, Maggie Watt, Angie Knott, Laura McLean, Gayle McCue, Katy Carson, Christina Jane Smith, Michelle Fontaine, Becky Palmer, and Tracey Stephenson—you are the heart of Culturally Committed. Your loyalty and belief in us have been the driving force behind everything. I am endlessly grateful for each of you.
As we look to the future, we hold tight to the wisdom of the cedar. Just as its roots grow deep into the earth, creating a foundation strong enough to weather any storm, we strive to grow with integrity, resilience, and connection. We will continue to nurture this work with sincerity and stay committed to relationships, values, and the teachings that ground us.
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