Barbara Dumont-Hill
Women of Inspiration
Barbara Dumont-Hill is an Algonquin Anishinabeg woman of the Turtle Clan, born on the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation and a lifelong advocate for Indigenous women, youth, and reconciliation in Canada. Her early life was shaped by profound challenges: she was the tenth of thirteen children and, shortly after her birth, her mother was sent to a tuberculosis sanatorium for over three years. When government authorities threatened to break up the family through adoption and residential school placement, her father fled the reserve with his children. Settling in a small town in West Quebec, the family faced racism and social exclusion as the only Indigenous residents.
Despite these hardships, Barbara’s parents instilled a deep work ethic and resilience in their children. Barbara began working at age 11 and, as a young adult, moved to Ottawa where she began a lifetime of service. Inspired by her brother, she reconnected with her cultural identity through hand drum teachings which ignited her path as a Knowledge Keeper and community mentor.
Over decades Barbara has dedicated herself to uplifting Indigenous communities, particularly women and youth. She has worked with students at all levels—from elementary to post-secondary—offering cultural guidance and emotional support. At Carleton University, she served as the Knowledge Keeper at the Ojigkwanong Indigenous Student Centre where she provided ceremony, mentorship, and advocacy for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students. In 2023, Carleton awarded her an Honorary Doctor of Laws in recognition of her extraordinary contributions.
Barbara’s impact is national in scope. She was a key Indigenous advisor to the Department of Justice during the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Commission hearings, traveling across the country to support families and staff. Her compassionate counsel earned praise from Chief Commissioner Marion Buller and now-Federal Court Judge Anne Turley. She also worked with the Ottawa Children’s Aid Society, facilitating healing circles and mentoring staff on culturally respectful approaches to Indigenous youth and families.
Barbara has contributed to projects such as Queen’s University’s A SHARED Future, supported Tewegan House for Indigenous young women, and helped the RCMP confront internal racism. Alongside her husband, she has led over 150 KAIROS Blanket Exercises to educate Canadians about the history and ongoing impacts of colonization.
A respected speaker, Barbara has been invited to share her wisdom across Canada and internationally. Her recent work with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and the National Consortium for Indigenous Medical Education supports anti-racism and reconciliation in health care settings.
Barbara is a mother, kokum, birth mother, and wife of nearly 50 years. She survived open-heart surgery in 2022 and continues to be a source of strength and inspiration. Known for her warmth, wisdom, and unshakable integrity, Barbara has touched countless lives through her storytelling, cultural teachings, and unwavering belief in the power of respect, healing, and connection.
