ROLLING RESILIENCE & SHINING BEAR DESIGNS COLLABORATION
About Me
Vanessa's Roots
Vanessa's Role Models
Vanessa's Passion
Vanessa is a registered land claim beneficiary with Sanikiluaq, Nunavut. Her deep connection to her Inuit identity is rooted in the strength and resilience of her family — particularly her grandfather, whose story reflects the difficult legacy many Inuit have endured.
At just 19 years old, her grandfather was taken by ship and placed in a
Vanessa is a registered land claim beneficiary with Sanikiluaq, Nunavut. Her deep connection to her Inuit identity is rooted in the strength and resilience of her family — particularly her grandfather, whose story reflects the difficult legacy many Inuit have endured.
At just 19 years old, her grandfather was taken by ship and placed in a sanitorium in London, Ontario, where he remained for over seven years. During that time, he was subjected to medical experimentation, including the removal of a lung. Though he survived, he was left dependent on ongoing medical treatment. Eventually, he was transferred to Moose Factory Hospital, where he went on to serve as an X-ray technician for more than 30 years.
Vanessa Brousseau holds a deep love and respect for the James Bay region and its people. Their strength, like her grandfather’s, continues to inspire her work and advocacy today.
Vanessa's Passion
Vanessa's Role Models
Vanessa's Passion
Through years of healing and therapy, Vanessa has transformed her personal pain into a powerful mission: to raise MMIP awareness about the ongoing genocide of Indigenous peoples.
Vanessa Brousseau shares her lived experience by offering virtual and in-person presentations that educate, inspire, and call others to action.
As part of her hea
Through years of healing and therapy, Vanessa has transformed her personal pain into a powerful mission: to raise MMIP awareness about the ongoing genocide of Indigenous peoples.
Vanessa Brousseau shares her lived experience by offering virtual and in-person presentations that educate, inspire, and call others to action.
As part of her healing journey, Vanessa handcrafts red dress sealskin items — each one a tribute not only to her missing sister, Pamela Holopainen, but to the thousands of Indigenous peoples who continue to be taken. Her art is both a personal act of resilience and a public call for justice.
No More Stolen MMIP.
Vanessa's Role Models
Vanessa's Role Models
Vanessa's Role Models
Vanessa Brousseau's business was built on the generosity, guidance, and wisdom of Elders who believed in her vision. Many gifted her their scrap seal fur, trusting that she would transform it into meaningful, beautiful creations that honour both tradition and truth.
The Elders in Vanessa’s life have had a profound impact on her growth as
Vanessa Brousseau's business was built on the generosity, guidance, and wisdom of Elders who believed in her vision. Many gifted her their scrap seal fur, trusting that she would transform it into meaningful, beautiful creations that honour both tradition and truth.
The Elders in Vanessa’s life have had a profound impact on her growth as an artist. Their teachings, encouragement, and cultural knowledge continue to shape her work and creative spirit. She carries their influence in every piece she makes — and she will forever be grateful for their role in her journey.