Diane is a proud mother of three children and a Kookum (grandmother). She is a First Nation member of Shoal Lake First Nation #40 in Treaty #3 territory with German ancestry and has long worked to address the myriad of issues facing Winnipeg’s urban Indigenous community in all areas of health, justice, education and social services. She has served in both a professional and volunteer capacity with local, national and international agencies and has become a strong advocate for urban Indigenous children’s and women’s issues.
She spent most of her career leading the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre – the largest non-mandated, non-profit, urban Indigenous-led organization in Manitoba and is a community-based, community-led, Indigenous-driven family resource centre that is a leader in community-based care for Indigenous children, youth and families in Winnipeg. This role led her to nationaland international initiatives including leading National Task Force on Human Trafficking of Women and Girls in Canada, testifying at the MMIWG2S+ National Inquiry and current Chair of the MMIWG2S+ Urban Working Group that launched their National Action Plan entitled: Urban Path to Reclaiming Power and Place, Regardless of Residency and Board member of Honoring Indigenous People (HIP) which is a Rotary initiative to educate non-Indigenous people in Canada.
Diane answered the call to come home to Shoal Lake 40 First Nation following the completion of Freedom Road which connects Shoal Lake 40 First Nation to Highway #1 and was the CEO of Kekekoziibii Development Corporation, the economic development arm of the Shoal Lake 40 First Nation promoting Economic Reconciliation for 2.5 years and is now working part-time. Her connection to her Nation runs deep and she remains committed to leaving a legacy for the next 7 generations.
Dr. Diane Redsky has been acknowledged with many awards including: Honourary Doctorate Degree in Law from the University of Winnipeg, 2025 Indspire Award for Public Service, Order of Manitoba, Governor General and Senate Awards, King Charles and Queens Coronation, Diamond and Platinum Medals, among others.
