Catherine is a settler of Ukrainian and Scottish decent who was born and raised on the shores of Lake Superior in the heart of Robinson-Superior Treaty territory. She has almost two decades of experience working with Indigenous Peoples and has dedicated her career to supporting communities to achieve their self-determined visions for wellness. She is a skilled research and policy analyst with a particular passion for research ethics and methodologies.

Catherine currently resides on un-ceded Algonquin Territory otherwise known as Ottawa. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law as well as an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology with a concentration in Criminology and a Master of Arts Degree in Legal Studies, all from Carleton University. She is also the proud mother of Micheal and granny to Wahiarí:tha and Teiakoronhiá:sere.