Fawnda Bullshields
Height: 5’9
Hometown: Vancouver, BC
Languages: English
Occupation: Family circle facilitator
Oki (Hello in Blackfoot) Fawnda Bullshields was born in Lethbridge Alberta, raised in Vancouver, and is now a proud First Nation Canadian Citizen living in North Vancouver. She graduated from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver with a degree in arts and majored in First Nations and Indigenous studies. Currently she is working as a family circle facilitator in North Vancouver and her role allows her to empower families to make their own decisions. Developing a non-profit business to give voice to the Black Indigenous People of Colour (BIPOC) community to walking the runway at Vancouver Indigenous fashion week and currently traveling to Australia to walked in the fashion show called ancestral bloodlines.
Her role to stand in the gap of the oppressed to embodying fashion on the runway are some of her natural attributes. From volunteering for at risk youth in the inner city to traveling the world on the pow wow trail, and being featured in Snotty Nose Rez kids music video. She’s able to create safe spaces while being stylish and approaching people with kindness and care. Never forgetting to get her water in each day in order to hydrate for another weight lifting session, climb a mountain, or capture a moment through photography. Inner beauty is what matters most and she displays this effortlessly through her job, BIPOC, and her volunteer work.
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
I enjoy pow wow dancing and teaching others about the culture.
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
- Pow wow dancing
- Art
- Photography
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
- Track & field
- Cross country
- Basketball
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
My pastor because he truly cares for others and prayers for me.
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
Modelling for Vancouver Indigenous fashion week.
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
I have my own non-profit business called BIPOC that uplifts Black, Indigenous and People of Colour.
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
I want to start my own training business. I have started the curriculum, registered the name, made the poster and have companies interested in hiring once the curriculum is completed.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
To have my own business that powers those who with little or no power to rise above.
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was raised on the reserve and came from a huge family that was very close. Then my immediate family moved to Vancouver so that my mom could complete her degree and to have greater opportunities. My mom became a single mother to 3 children when my dad passed away, I was 13 years old and the oldest of 2 brothers. That was a hard time in my life but I manage to focus on school and became the top athlete of the year and made the honour roll. I was able to overcome despite going through something I did not think I could survive.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
I worked as barista at Starbucks and in a mens clothing store while completing my undergrad.
List any volunteering you have done.
Volunteer at pow wow night, youth group on Friday nights for at risk youth, Sunday school at church and building a house in Mexico.
What is your most unusual talent?
Aspire hoop dancer/pow wow dancing.
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
I have been to Mexico through youth with a mission (YWAM) and volunteered to build a house for a family. It was the most rewarding experience to serve and build community.
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
I want to have my own business and give back by supporting Indigenous businesses.