PM and Royals, get ready to meet Saskatoon's Zoey Roy
CBC News | Posted: September 23, 2016 11:30 AM | Last Updated: September 23, 2016
Outspoken educator and artist off to summit in Vancouver
The e-mail arrived on Monday; Saskatoon's Zoey Roy is off to Vancouver to meet the Prime Minister, his wife and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate.
Roy told CBC Radio's Saskatoon Morning, she was surprised by the late invitation.
I really would like to hold their baby. - Zoey Roy
"I'm swamped in work and school and all of the other things I'm involved in," she said.
Roy is a busy young woman. She is a well-known community-based educator and has made big strides as a Métis artist. But she's also finishing up a degree and is ready to make the move out in to the workforce, so this weekend's event is a big opportunity.
"I really want to work with Justin Trudeau and see how we can make Canada a better place for everyone."
Roy also promised to bring the hard work of Indigenous organizations across the country to the attention of the prime minister and is making a list so that she's "not star struck and can just talk."
Roy seeks real conversation with Will and Kate
As for the Royals, Roy said.
"I really would like to hold their baby."
At the same time, she is struggling to find the words that might help the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge understand that the Treaties have not been a benefit to her, the people she loves, or her ancestors.
"I'm not one to put people on a pedestal, I understand they are the Crown, but as an Indigenous person I think I am just as important," said Roy.
"I'm just interested in seeing what their energy is like, how real they are, and if I can have a real conversation with them, then great!"
One thing that Roy is promising is that she will make an impact and leave everyone with a lasting impression.
The big meeting comes on Sunday in Vancouver with a panel discussion of young inspired and inspiring Canadians who are making a difference in their communities. It will be followed up with an opportunity for young people to meet the prime minister and the Duke and Duchess.
Until then, Roy has a lot of work to do, getting ready to go, and finding the money she'll need. She may resort to a previously tested and highly successful fundraising effort.
"My mom said she would make bannock again and we are just going to have to figure it out."