About the Founder & CEO

Her Roots

Born and raised on her reservation in Moose Factory, Dr. Candace Linklater is a proud member of the Moose Cree First Nation. Grounded by the Land, Water, and People of her community, she carries a legacy of leadership and resilience. Her grandfather, a historical chief and descendant of a Treaty 9 signatory, inspires her work and dedication to honouring her roots and advocating for Indigenous sovereignty.

Her Education

Dr. Candace Linklater holds a PhD in Education Leadership, where her award-nominated dissertation, Pedagogy of Moss in School Leadership for Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ Students, explores transformative approaches to nurturing queer responsive and decolonized educational environments. She is also certified as a trauma-informed integrated somatic coach, bringing a holistic perspective to her work in supporting healing and resilience

Her Experience

Dr. Candace Linklater's journey in education began as an early childhood educator, nurturing creativity and curiosity in young learners, before becoming an elementary school teacher in her home community, where she centered cultural pride and decolonial approaches in her teaching. She also served her community as an elected official of Moose Cree First Nation and as Vice Chair of the Moose Cree Education Authority, advocating for culturally empowered and community-centred education. Today, Dr. Candace leads Relentless Indigenous Woman Co. (RIW Co.), a globally recognized consulting company offering sought-after workshops, keynote speaking, and consulting services that develop culturally responsive curriculums, innovative toolkits, and transformative policies.

Her Influence

Dr. Candace Linklater is one of the leading Indigenous forces in the social media realm, bringing education and hard truths to light through her thoughtful and impactful content. With over 750,000 followers, she uses her platform to unpack colonialism, share insights on healing, and celebrate Native humour, creating meaningful dialogue and transformative learning. Her influence extends to her podcast, Relentless Indigenous Woman, where her poignant and compassionate approaches create a space for deep reflection, connection, and storytelling. Through both her social media and podcast, Dr. Candace inspires audiences to confront uncomfortable truths, embrace healing, and move toward genuine solidarity.

About the Deadly RIW Co. Family

  • Lisa - Associate (she/her)

    Lisa is a dedicated educator from Attawapiskat Cree First Nation and a cornerstone of the RIW Co. team. With over 20 years of experience in K-12 education, Lisa brings a deeply personal perspective to her work, informed by her own experiences as an Indigenous student and educator. Her compassionate approach creates a nurturing learning environment that is felt in every project she touches.

    At RIW Co., Lisa leads with heart and expertise, ensuring that our clients in the education sector receive in-depth insights into their practices. She specializes in developing strategies that support all children, particularly Indigenous students. Lisa's work empowers educators to make meaningful and effective changes from a place of compassion, care, and connection. Balancing her time, she contributes to RIW Co. on a part-time basis, dedicating herself to enhancing educational outcomes while nurturing the next generation of learners as a full-time educator.

    Portfolios: Curriculum design, policy development, education leadership strategies, classroom management

  • Alycia - Associate (she/they)

    A member of the Mistawasis Nêhiyawak First Nation, Alycia earned a Bachelor of General Studies with a minor in Canadian Studies and a Master of Education focused on Early Childhood Education from the University of Calgary.

    Alycia is also the founder of the Moon Time Bag Project, providing essential care items to those experiencing houselessness in Calgary. Additionally, they has authored "Two-Spirit: Stories, Sex, and the Ceremony Behind It All," enriching her advocacy and educational contributions.

    She plays a pivotal role at RIW Co., where she leverages her educational expertise and her identity as a Two-Spirit member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community to lead projects with an authentic and bold approach. Their work seamlessly integrates professional knowledge with profound community engagement, emphasizing love and connection.

    Portfolios: early years, education, 2SLGBTQ+ advocacy, health, traditional healing and medicine

  • Deanne - Associate (she/her)

    Deanne is a member of Constance Lake First Nation who grew up in the rural community of Moosonee on the Mushkegowuk territory. Deanne's deep connection to her culture shines through in her music, which she brilliantly incorporates into her professional life to nurture beauty, creativity, and resilience.

    Holding a Master’s degree in Social Work with a specialization in resilience and trauma, Deanne offers invaluable expertise and heartfelt compassion to her role at RIW Co. as an Associate. Her work extends beyond mere professional duties; it's a sincere commitment to healing and empowering, using her academic knowledge, lived experience, and musical talents to uplift and inspire those around her.

    In addition to her role at RIW Co., Deanne is devoted to serving First Nations communities in the northeastern region as an Indigenous Social Work provider. Her dual roles allow her to blend her lived experience, neuroscience, creativity and decolonizing approaches effectively, making a significant impact in many lives and strengthening the support network within these communities.

    Portfolios: trauma informed approaches, music therapy, resilience practices, foster child and youth advocacy, social work

  • Chondra - Executive Assistant (she/her)

    Chondra is the invaluable Executive Assistant at RIW Co. Raised in her home territory of Kainai Nation, part of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksikaitsitapi), Chondra brings a blend of local Siksikaitsitapi insight and universal appeal to her role, providing seamless support with creativity and organization. She is the cornerstone behind our CEO, Candace, ensuring that she is perfectly poised to meet the needs of all our clients with her best self every day. Chondra’s dedication and meticulous care help make everything at RIW Co. possible.

  • Shawna - Research Assistant (she/her)

    Shawna is a highly accomplished research assistant at RIW Co., recognized for her academic excellence and holding a Bachelor of Community Development. With deep roots in her First Nations community of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and training in OCAP® principles, she ensures her work fully respects and upholds the data sovereignty of First Nations People.

    Her commitment to community-driven research reflects her passion for uplifting Indigenous voices and ensuring their ownership over their narratives. Shawna brings a holistic, culturally respectful approach to her work, integrating both academic knowledge and grassroots experience. Her expertise and dedication make her an invaluable person to the team, helping to create meaningful and culturally respectful approaches.

  • Courtney - Graphic Designer (she/her)

    Courtney is the creative powerhouse behind the stunning visuals at RIW Co. From her vibrant homeland of Kainai First Nation, Courtney masterfully blends traditional design elements with her own modern flair to create truly captivating graphics. With an innate ability to capture the essence of each client, she ensures that every project is delivered with both professionalism and a fresh, innovative approach. Courtney’s designs represent our clients beautifully and embody the spirit of RIW Co., making sure our identity resonates clearly and vibrantly across the globe.