TV personality, model, actress, writer, public speaker and proud member of Frog Lake First Nation, Michaella Shannon is adding one more accolade to the list, as she is one of RW&CO.’s ambassadors for their new Spring 2022 campaign, Always on the Rise. For International Women’s Day, Michaella has lent her unique vision and voice to the brand’s RWConversations video series, reflecting on her experiences advocating for Indigenous rights and championing young women’s self esteem. We were fortunate to have an opportunity to speak with Michaella about her RW&CO. ambassadorship and what International Women’s Day means to her. Read our full Q&A below. —Catherine Dunwoody
Hi Michaella! Please tell us more about your RW&CO. ambassadorship and details of what that entails?
I wanted to be an RW&CO. brand ambassador because, unlike many other brands, this one has maintained and continues to maintain a diverse and inclusive community. From their team to their models, to their brand ambassadors, to their employees. It isn’t just a one-time, check-the-box effort. There is visual representation, which everyone is doing right now, then, there is vocal representation. Giving folks like myself a platform to share their voice, their perspectives, and/or their ideas is the true definition of diversity and inclusivity.
Is it your first partnership with the brand?
This is my second campaign with RW&CO.! My first campaign was for Fall 2021. I am thankful that I’ve been given an opportunity during both campaigns to speak from the heart and bring awareness to Canadians on a national level.
The current RW&CO. Always on the Rise campaign is being rolled out ahead of International Women’s Day. What does IWD mean to you?
It is monumental that I and a small number of my peers are granted a platform to speak. As an Indigenous woman, I feel especially sentimental about International Women’s Day because not only do I have to fight for the equality of women, I have to fight to be seen and heard as a marginalized woman. Marginalized women or women of colour not only have to fight for equality, they have to fight for their lives as many of us are targets of extreme violence. For example, #MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women). Thousands of Indigenous women are missing or murdered. The number continues to rise without any police or governmental involvement to help find these women or find their murderers. It is almost as if we don’t hold value. International Women’s Day commemorates all the achievements women have made throughout history and celebrates how far women have come, but it fails to recognize how much further we still need to go.
Can you tell us more about your new post as an associate producer with Bell Media – CTV?
There are so many moving parts to my life right, some huge changes and announcements are on their way! I recently took a job as an associate producer with CTV Regina. Working in news will be a huge change from working in entertainment but I am ready to learn and keep growing!
What can you tell us about your Canadian Screen Awards nomination?
I was nominated along with two of my co-hosts, Danielle Graham and Tyrone Edwards from etalk, for Best Entertainment Special! I co-hosted and co-produced this special segment, which aired on Indigenous Peoples Day and again on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It was extremely important for me to get this segment right. We were able to bring to light the true history of Canada and its Residential Schools while highlighting the many achievements, successes, and positive contributions made by Indigenous folks across the country. We didn’t want to focus only on the negative, it was important to paint Indigenous people in a positive light.
Did you have a strong female role model as a child?
My mom has always been the strong female role model in my life. She has taught me how to navigate the negative experiences, the obstacles, the trauma that I’ve experienced and harness it to achieve success. So often, people will use their trauma or negative life experiences as a crutch or an excuse for failing to follow their dreams. I am thankful and I recognize the privilege that I hold for having a mother in my life to teach me these important life skills. I hope to be the strong female role model in my daughter’s life, too, one day.
With warmer weather coming, what RW&CO. styles are you planning to wear this spring?
Blazers that pop with colour and pants to match, as well as floral-print blouses and dresses to celebrate spring. You can shop my top RW&CO. Ambassador Looks for spring here!
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