Leroy Fontaine on balancing Indigenous teachings in a modern world
Leroy Fontaine is a father, firefighter, and children’s book author. He shares his perspective on what many Indigenous communities face — the push and pull between the richness of tradition that came before him and the desire to explore the vastness of the present world.
'I experienced an Indigenous cultural shift from disconnection to reconnection'
Leroy Fontaine, father, firefighter and children’s book author from Chipewyan Prairie First Nation in the Treaty 8 Territory of Alberta, lives in Kjipuktuk (Halifax) and was invited to share his perspective for the CBC East Coast ‘all in’ newsletter. (Leslie Estelle Photography)Growing up with my grandparents, immersed in my culture on Chipewyan Prairie First Nation in the Treaty 8 Territory of Alberta, I witnessed both sides of what many communities face: the constant push and pull between the richness of tradition that came before you and the desire to explore the vastness of the present world.
As a young boy living in environments impacted by intergenerational trauma and the effects of the residential school system, my inspiration was to break the cycle of turmoil.
But choosing to leave my community and chase dreams and passions led me on a path of gradual disconnection. Unknowingly, I created more time and distance away from my family and traditional ways.
The dream of becoming a professional athlete sparked an adventure off the reserve, opening doors to a positive and healthy lifestyle filled with coaches and mentors.
Fontaine’s first job was as a firefighter and paramedic for Shell Canada in Fort McMurray, Alberta and for the Halifax Regional Fire Emergency. (supplied by Leroy Fontaine)
However, this was the first step in a subtle drift away from Indigenous culture and identity.
With a desire to accomplish all of my goals and dreams, I pushed forward — like a racehorse with blinders on — moving further away from my roots, creating an imbalance.
Letting my guard down with a thirst for success in the outside world, I filled my cup by chasing goals.
Success in football led to success in getting an education, which ultimately led to achievements in my career as a firefighter and a reality TV personality.
Fontaine played for the Saint Mary’s University Huskies team in Halifax and entered the 2010 CFL draft. (Joe Chrvala)
Fontaine, seen here second from the left, participated in the television series The Brigade: Race to the Hudson, and as a finalist in season 1 of Traitors Canada. (supplied by Leroy Fontaine)
It wasn't until recently, after years of feeling a sense of guilt for moving away from my community in Alberta, that I began to question my Indigenous identity.
I asked myself how I was going to move forward, balancing both worlds: Indigenous and non-Indigenous ways.
Living in Nova Scotia, I spoke with an Elder about the divide I was feeling. She helped me make sense of it through the concept of two-eyed seeing and a teaching of Mi'kmaq Elder Albert Marshall.
As an Indigenous person navigating the modern world, I learned to be more gentle with myself and recognized there are positives in both Indigenous and Western ways of knowing. This perspective enlightened me to the fact that my path was right all along: it was just a matter of being mindful of the balance.
This realization sparked me to share my journey through storytelling as a proud Indigenous family man.
Being ALL IN means advocating for Indigenous culture in the workplace to limit barriers of entry and educating colleagues by helping facilitate Indigenous awareness experiences as part of a committee.
For example: implementing department-wide initiatives such as the Moose Hide Campaign, an Indigenous-led grassroots movement designed to engage men and boys in ending gender-based violence, and Orange Shirt initiative, and participating in National Day for Truth and Reconciliation gatherings, blanket exercises, e-learning modules, pow wows and other culturally significant ceremonies and celebrations.
It also means sharing my story through cross-country motivational speeches and delivering the teachings of my debut Indigenous children's book, Sekweha the Superkid: And His Cultural Cape.
Fontaine is the author of a new children’s book, pictured here, which is inspired by his own life and experiences. Illustrator Gi Pellerin. (supplied by Leroy Fontaine) I believe that young minds and hearts need healthy seeds of culture and tradition to foster strong growth in cultural identity.
The book I wrote is a story about cultural loss and reconnection, allyship, cultural pride, and reconciliation — a story of my life to share with the world.
I chose to lead by example and build a story of cultural pride and resilience for youth to see and hear, encapsulating my journey into a children's book that would leave an imprint for generations to come. All in on culture; all in on allyship; all in on revitalization; all in on reconciliation. ALL IN.
Get to know Leroy
Who or what inspires you and why? My stepdad, who is a residential school survivor. He overcame unimaginable challenges to become a leader of our community. He created his own personal success, all while staying connected to our traditional practices.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Overcoming childhood traumas and building a life for my children filled with love, passion, security and culture.
Fontaine with his family. (Leslie Estelle Photography) What is your motto? Live your dream, share your passion.
What is your favourite winter/summer activity on the East Coast? Nothing better than a classic skate at the Emera Oval with my little family and grabbing BeaverTails after with the kids.
Fontaine aims to be a positive role model in everything he does and be a signal of hope for the Indigenous community to chase their dreams. (Daniel Hewett) What is your most marked characteristic? Passion. Anything I do, I do with all of my heart.
Leroy Fontaine is part of the Denesuline Tribe and a proud member of Chipewyan Prairie First Nation. Growing up in the Treaty 8 Territory Of Northern Alberta, he spent the earlier part of his childhood on the reservation with his family before moving away to pursue sports, education, career and roles in television to inspire future generations of Indigenous people. He currently lives in Kjipuktuk (Halifax).
