From Lived Experience to Community Impact: Meet Melissa Deschamps

A dress created by Michel Dumont for an art show. Fun fact: Actress Lily Gladstone wore this same dress for the opening of her film "Fancy Dance"!

Melissa Deschamps (she/her) is a Two-Spirit person who is a member of the Red Rock Indian Band on Lake Helen First Nation, where her family is Wolf Clan. A dedicated mother to two sons, ages five and eighteen, Melissa finds joy in life’s quiet moments, a shift compared to her previous years: “I enjoy being at home, watching movies with my little one, or playing cards with the older one. As I have gotten older, I have appreciated being in my own home, living a pretty boring life, as opposed to the chaotic life of my past”.

Throughout her life, she navigated challenges including substance use, homelessness, sex work, domestic abuse, and struggles with mental health. These difficult experiences shaped her deep empathy for others and her drive to support people facing similar circumstances, developing trust and meaningful relationships within her community. She explains: “For around 8 years now, I have been working with folks who use substances and/or live with mental illness. I have a lot of empathy for people; I think that helped with the relationships I have built with the folks I work with. They are my peeps”. From this, Melissa’s interests in harm reduction, Indigenous health, and mental health for her community grew, which led her to work at the Benoit Lab.

Melissa’s connection to the Benoit Lab spans over eight years, where she worked on multiple research projects. Now, her current role as a Research Assistant specializes in the WHiSE 2.0 project, where she screens and conducts surveys with Indigenous participants.

As a First Nations person impacted by colonization, Melissa brings a nuanced understanding of the unique needs and ways of healing for First Nations people. As such, she has openly shared her story in hopes of inspiring others, appearing at Rockin’ Recovery events and in a 2016 Toronto Star article. From this, her healing journey has influenced change among others, prompting her to continue sharing her experiences: “Someone that I have known for the last 20 years, told me recently that they saw the change I have made in my life, and it inspired them to make a change. That is why I am not ashamed to share my story”.

“Don’t be too hard on yourself, ask for help… and remember your mental health and wellbeing are important[.] Take chances… challenge yourself, believe in yourself. You’ve got this!”.

We’re so grateful to have Melissa working with us and contributing to the WHiSE 2.0 project. Welcome to the team, Melissa!