Rosanna Cyprien
CLASS OF 2021
, AGE 37
Born and raised in Fort Chipewyan, Rosanna Cyprien works for Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, and lives by the words, “Love is in the details.”
A volunteer with Athabasca Tribal Council and Acden, she recently sat down with YMM and talked about her drive to keep pushing forward.
YMM: What is the most rewarding part of your career?
RC:
I am lucky enough to contribute to bringing the community together and helping build a sense of pride and nationhood. My favorite thing to do is connect people, and I feel fortunate enough to do that in my work.
YMM: What motivates you?
RC:
The fact that there is so much work to be done within our Indigenous communities, as much as we recognize that the emotional labour shouldnt fall solely on our shoulders, I feel an inherent drive to keep pushing forward.
YMM: How should success be measured?
RC:
I think that it depends on the individual. I measure success based on my happiness and the happiness of my loved ones. Am I overall happy? Is my family happy? If yes, I feel the most success.
YMM: What is something people are always surprised to learn about you?
RC:
I am shy and extremely introverted. I love to create excitement and fun for other people, but 9/10 you will find me at home, curled up – reading a book.
YMM: What are you best at?
RC:
I think that I am best at bringing people together and making them feel taken care of. I spent a long time being so uncomfortable in my own skin, so I do what I can to make sure everyone around me feels safe, included and comfortable.
YMM: What would you say to your 10-year-old self?
RC:
Try not to worry so much, break some (small) rules and have some fun! Embrace your creativity and allow yourself to be brave. It is okay to make mistakes, learn to fail and be okay with failing.
