Monique Gray Smith

Monique Gray Smith is a mixed heritage woman of Cree, Lakota, and Scottish descent and is the proud Mom of twelve year old twins.  She is an award winning author, international speaker and sought after consultant. Monique has been running her business, Little Drum Consulting since 1996. Her career has focused on fostering paradigm shifts that emphasize the strength and resiliency of the First Peoples in Canada. Monique’s strong understanding of education has led her to work as the Executive Director for Aboriginal Head Start Association of BC and the National Aboriginal Advisor for Roots of Empathy. Her leadership in the field of Aboriginal Education led her to create a resource called The Ripple Effect of Resiliency: Strategies for Fostering Resiliency with Indigenous Children. Monique’s first published novel, Tilly: A Story of Hope and Resilience won the 2014 Burt Award for First Nation, Métis and Inuit Literature.  Monique’s first children’s book, My Heart Fills with Happiness was released in early February 2016 and has been on the BC Bestsellers List since being released. Monique has been sober and involved in her healing journey for over 24 years and is well known for her storytelling, spirit of generosity and focus on resilience.