Rowan Venedam

Rowan Venedam has always understood the importance of visibility and connection. He moved to Fort McMurray in 2015 with his family and completed high school here before leaving for university in Edmonton. In January 2025, they returned to the region to work for Wood Buffalo Pride, bringing a vision of inclusion and empowerment. He now serves as the Indigenous and Rural Outreach Coordinator, dedicating his career to enriching the lives of Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people.

The most rewarding part of Rowan’s work is serving the community directly. They love spending each day creating spaces where queer and trans people feel supported and celebrated. “Isolation is a problem in this region, especially for queer and trans people,” he says. “I want to show that you can build a beautiful life here and be proud of who you are.”

Rowan’s commitment to community began long before his professional role. They were a founding member of Wood Buffalo Pride while still in high school. He explains that building an inclusive environment benefits everyone. “The more we create spaces where people can show up as themselves, the stronger and healthier our community becomes,” they add.

Family and chosen family are central to Rowan’s journey. He describes the queer people around him as his family and says they inspire him to act with love and compassion every day. His grandparents have also provided unwavering support and encouragement. “They have embraced me without question and truly believe I can do anything,” he says. “I hope my work makes them proud.”

Rowan sees community involvement as essential for minority groups to thrive. They point out that trans people are often underrepresented and excluded from important decision-making spaces. “Through community-based initiatives, we find our footing and create opportunities to empower ourselves,” he says. These experiences have shaped his perspective on leadership and advocacy, showing him how essential it is to persist even when progress feels slow.

One of the challenges Rowan identifies is resistance to change. Many people are hesitant to challenge themselves and learn new ways of thinking. They believe consistent opportunities for education and dialogue, paired with patience, are key. “People will come when they are ready, and our role is to be ready for them,” he explains.

Looking ahead, Rowan hopes to continue making a difference both locally and nationally. They want to write a nonfiction book on the politics of transphobia and become a national leader in queer and trans advocacy. He also envisions a Fort McMurray where diversity is not only accepted but celebrated. “The most successful environments are the most diverse,” they say. “I see my role as contributing to a future that is welcoming, thriving, and inclusive.”

Returning to Fort McMurray has been a journey of growth and joy for Rowan. He admits that he never thought he would come back, but being here has strengthened his sense of purpose. They emphasize that queer and trans people exist everywhere and always will. “My work is about creating hope and showing others that they belong,” he says. “Every action we take builds a stronger community for everyone.”

Through advocacy, outreach, and leadership, Rowan continues to make Fort McMurray a place where gender-diverse people can feel seen, valued, and empowered. Their dedication, compassion, and courage are shaping a future where everyone has the chance to thrive.