Kimbaya Carriere (She/Her) is of Franco-Metis and Mestiza Mexican background.
She grew up in Treaty 1, traditionally known in Cree as win-nipi, ᐑᓂᐯᐠ (murky waters) now referred to as Winnipeg, Manitoba. She is currently living in what is originally known in Halq’eméylem as Lhq’á:lets (wide at the bottom) now referred to as Vancouver, British Columbia in the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. She graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a biology and environmental science degree back in April 2020.
She started working in June 2020 at the First Nations Fisheries Council (FNFC) and is currently working as the Water For Fish project coordinator. The FNFC is an Indigenous-led non-profit organization that works to support Nations to advance their rights and interests related to fish and aquatic resources. The FNFC’s Water for Fish initiative was launched to advance objectives in the BC First Nations Fisheries Action Plan under the theme of “Safeguarding Habitat and Responding to Threats.” Through this initiative, we work to support First Nations’ engagement in freshwater governance, habitat protection, and management activities. The intended impact of our Water for Fish initiative is that First Nations in British Columbia are informed, resourced, and united to actively exercise governance and jurisdiction of all fresh waters in their traditional territories
In her spare time, Kimbaya enjoys traveling, exploring Turtle Island and other international destinations. In particular, she enjoys learning about new cultures and reconnecting with her own cultural heritage. She also enjoys learning about cultures through cuisine, language, and art, especially dance.