Sitting at her computer in June 2021, Fallon Farinacci nearly backed out of launching a GoFundMe campaign, consumed by the thought that no one would care.

Life had taught her that sometimes, pleas for help go unanswered.

But still, she found courage in community and pressed enter.

Farinacci’s campaign would go on to raise more than $114,000 for two causes close to her heart: Abbey House, a transitional home for Indigenous women in Niagara, and the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) St. Eustache local.

The support far surpassed her initial fundraising goal of $3,800 — set in honour of her 38th birthday. The deeply personal milestone marked Farinacci becoming the first and only member of her immediate family to reach 38.

She was determined to transform her personal grief into a catalyst for collective healing.

Farinacci recounted this experience during the fifth annual Indigenous Leader Speaker Series, sharing her story of survival with more than 100 online attendees. The proud Red River Métis, renowned speaker and writer, and passionate advocate for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People was honoured for her efforts at the June 19 event, which was held in advance of National Indigenous People’s Day and designed to celebrate Indigenous excellence.

Farinacci’s life changed forever at age nine when she lost her parents to a traumatic act of violence perpetrated by a man who had been stalking her mother. Farinacci and her younger brother were held hostage for hours after a 911 call failed to yield immediate action.

The tragedy, and systemic inaction following it, left a deep impact on her family. She has since lost both of her brothers to suicide.

Through an active online presence, Farinacci has cultivated a large online community and uses her platform to raise awareness, support Indigenous businesses with collaborations and create change.

For Farinacci, being recognized as Brock’s 2025 Indigenous Leader was incredibly meaningful.

“I honestly believe that this is one of the greatest honours that I’ve ever received,” she said. “I’m a student for life, but through my trauma, I always thought I’m not successful because I didn’t get a BA or a master’s. So, to be acknowledged like this, it really means so much to me.”

The Indigenous Leader Speaker Series is a partnership between the Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement and the Goodman School of Business.

“Fallon is one of my favourite people in the whole world and someone I think embodies the whole spirit of this event,” said Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement Robyn Bourgeois, who hosted the webinar.  “The intent of this event is to celebrate leadership in all forms, but also Indigenous excellence, and to me, Fallon is all of that.”

Farinacci says her success is rooted in collaboration, a principle her father modelled for her with his involvement as president of the local MMF.

“Nothing is done without people coming together,” she said. “There’s a healing element to community, you can get inspired yourself seeing others care. Our voices are louder together.”

When talking about the goals and potential outcomes of her advocacy work, she referenced the words of Anishinaabe writer and broadcaster Jesse Wente, who said Indigenous people “have to start being instead of doing the work.”

“That’s the change that I want to see the most,” Farinacci said. “Because if we can start being instead of doing the work of decolonizing and educating, that means that all of that is gone, and we can just start being.”

She spoke about what it would be like to switch the focus from Indigenous resilience to celebrating Indigenous joy. With events like Orange Shirt Day and Red Dress Day focusing on trauma that Indigenous people have endured, Farinacci was happy to participate in the lecture series that focuses on celebrating Indigenous excellence.

“I don’t want people to lose sight of that story,” she said. “You know, we’re not just the trauma, we are also that brilliance and excellence.”