Riley McKenzie grew up in Ottawa, ON, amidst the city’s vibrant Indigenous community. With paternal roots from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and maternal roots from Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement, Riley’s mixed heritage has deeply connected her to identity.
Well known for her work as an artist and advocate with her family’s dance group, Prairie Fire, Riley has dedicated over a decade to teaching and demonstrating her Indigenous culture. Her efforts extend to educating workplaces, schools, and governments on Indigenous issues. As a former varsity athlete, Riley has channeled her passion for staying active into jigging. She uses traditional dance to inspire her community to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle, rooted in cultural wellness values.
Currently, Riley is studying Health Humanities and Social Sciences at McMaster University, aiming to deepen her understanding of Indigenous health care and all its intersectionalities. Furthering her education with a Master’s in Anthropology at the University of Ottawa, her academics will focus on understanding how biology and social determinants influence food choices, nutrition, and exercise, particularly in relation to chronic illnesses among Indigenous populations.
Her academic and athletic achievements have earned her several noteworthy scholarships. Most notable is one from Indspire which celebrated her academic resilience, while another from Fisheries and Oceans Canada in 2019 allowed her to travel to northern communities and gain firsthand insight into the health injustices faced by the Indigenous peoples in those regions.