Rising From the Shadows: My Journey to Becoming an Indigenous Role Model
by Leah Lamirande
Humble Beginnings
My name is Leah Marie, and I am a proud First Nations woman from Skownan First Nations, born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Growing up in the North End—often referred to as “the hood”— I was the youngest and only girl in a family of two older brothers. My parents, though loving and well-meaning, had their own struggles. They gave me a good upbringing, doing their best with the tools they had learned from their own parents. When my parents separated at the age of 12, my world was shaken. The pain, confusion, and anger of watching our family unit break apart were overwhelming. I struggled to process my emotions and began acting out in rebellion. This was the start of a downward spiral, but little did I know, it would lead me to discover my inner strength.
The Wrong Path
At just 12 years old, I was exposed to alcohol and drugs. I fell in with the wrong crowd—teenagers who partied, used substances, and led me down a dangerous path. At a friend’s house, I had my first drink and smoked marijuana. Though peer pressure loomed and girls I thought were my friends trying to talk me into things I did not want to do, I heard my father’s words echo in my head: “Be careful who you surround yourself with.” Those words saved me from worse situations, but I still faced relentless bullying and rejection from other girls.
In high school, I began experimenting with harder substances that I would prefer to not name. I even found myself driving around friends who were selling drugs—something I regret deeply today. Living that lifestyle was dangerous and reckless, but deep down, I knew it wasn’t the path for me. My spirit yearned for something greater, and I felt my ancestors guiding me toward a better life.
Abuse and Survival
When I was 16, I entered a serious relationship that quickly turned toxic and abusive. Though it wasn’t my first relationship, it was by far the most damaging. The physical abuse was horrifying, but the emotional and mental scars were even harder to heal. I endured moments of terror—beaten in private and humiliated in public—while friends stood by and did nothing.
That relationship took my self-esteem and confidence. I struggled with suicidal ideation and, during that time, it took everything I had just to keep going. I’m so glad I did, because eventually, life started to get better.
I finally had the courage to leave after enduring a couple of years of abuse. Though the journey to rebuild my self-esteem was long, I realized that my survival proved my resilience. Those dark moments fueled my determination to turn my life around.
The Turning Point
Even during my darkest days, I would flip through Cosmopolitan magazines, dreaming of being a model. I rarely saw First Nations women represented in the media, and it planted a seed of passion within me. At 18, I had my first photo shoot with Bruno Henry, wearing a traditional buckskin dress and antler earrings. That shoot sparked something powerful in me—a drive to
celebrate Indigenous beauty and dismantle negative stereotypes about First Nations women. Modeling became my salvation. It gave me a healthy outlet and helped rebuild my shattered confidence. For the first time, I felt beautiful, strong, and worthy. I discovered a passion for fashion, art, and Indigenous representation, which motivated me to leave behind a dangerous
lifestyle that could have taken a turn for the worse had I continued down that path.
Photo: Vogue World / Paris / Nadya Kwandibens / Dene Couture
Building a Dream
Social media opened doors for me in 2006, allowing me to connect with local Indigenous
designers and photographers. I reached out to designers, offering to model for fashion shows
and events. My persistence paid off—I won several modeling competitions and walked in shows
across Canada. One of my proudest moments was participating in the Global Indigenous
Runway Project in Melbourne, Australia, where I became an international model.
The pinnacle of my modeling career came at the 2024 Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival in Toronto.
Attending with my dear friend, Dene Couture Designer Tishna Marlowe, as one of her models
was an honor. She asked me to open her line, and to my surprise, Vogue Magazine Senior
Fashion and Style Writer Christian Allaire was in attendance. He highlighted the festival, the
designers, and their creations, and I was one of the models featured wearing Tishna’s stunning
design—smoked buckskin hide with intricate beadwork and beaver fur.
It was a surreal moment that showed me what alignment and consistently showing up for myself
can lead to. It wasn’t just my win; it was a win for everyone around me, and across Turtle Island.
Hoping to Inspire the Next Generation
Today, I use my platform to empower young Indigenous women and girls. I want them to see that no matter how far you’ve fallen, there’s always a way to rise again. My journey from a troubled youth, battling alcohol and drug abuse, to becoming an international model, proves that resilience and self-love can transform lives. To those struggling with alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence, or low self-esteem, I want you to know: You are beautiful. You are powerful. You are needed. Follow your passions, love yourself first, and never give up on your dreams. You are worth it.
Photo provided by Leah
Photo provided by Leah
My story is one of healing, growth, and reclaiming my identity as a proud First Nations woman. Modeling didn’t just save my life—it gave me a purpose. I hope to
continue breaking barriers, representing my culture, and inspiring others to overcome their struggles. If I can rise from the shadows, so can you.
Thank you to my dear friend Jamie Watling for featuring me as one of your inspirational highlights. I met Jamie back in 2016 after seeing many people I know work with him and witnessing his vast amount of published work, I reached out to book my own shoot. Our personalities meshed so well, which made the shoot even more fun and exciting. I built a
friendship with Jamie leading up to the shoot, and we are still good friends who keep in touch. I am so grateful for his friendship to this day. I appreciate you, Jam Jam!!
Leah Lamirande https://www.instagram.com/_leahmarie444/
Jamie Watling
https://www.instagram.com/jamiewatling
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