I was born 7/7/50 to Mary Cunningham (Caron) and Gilbert Cunningham in Edmonton, Alberta. Both parents were Métis as well as parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents on both sides of the family.

I started my life on a farm in Alberta with one brother and three sisters. One sister is now deceased as well as both of my parents.

My first 7 years of school were in a one-room school house (Clymont School). Later, we were bused to Devon which was five miles from our farm.

My father passed away in an oil tanker accident when I was fifteen and we moved into the town of Devon so my mother could find work and then later to Edmonton where opportunities were better and where I attended St. Francis Xaviour High School.

In 1969, I married Grant Johnston of Saskatoon and we set up our home here. I have 3 children (1 girl - 2 boys), all married who have given me 8 grandchildren who are this Kokum's pride and joy.

I was a stay-at-home mom until the children left grade school then took some university classes and a Social Work Program at Kelsey. Then came a 6 month practicum at Calder Rehabilitation Centre & ran my own caseload. I decided that Nursing was more my calling so I entered that profession 26 years ago and worked in Kidney and Cardiac wards, and for the last 24 years, as a Critical Care nurse in ICU at the Royal University Hospital.

Volunteering is a wonderful thing and over the years I have had some gratifying experiences.

I served as social co-ordinator of Holiday Park Community Association for 27 years where, with the help of committees, we arranged numerous functions.

As a critical care nurse I served a 2 year appointment on a ICU management committee. That was an eye opener for me to all facets of the nursing and medical community.

Spending 2 terms on Cumfi's board have been rewarding in working at raising money for children and elders. During this time I took some legal training which enlightened me also.

I have now been elected as Vice-president of Cumfi and I will do my best to serve this position well. I also sit on the board of the OKICIYAPI Partnership which is a strategic alliance to promote, strengthen and facilitate Métis and First Nation education in all our schools and communities.

I am looking forward to Cumfi forging ahead to the future to the betterment of our Métis people.