Amplifying Voices: Donna F. Council at Future Fest
Author, educator, and advocate Donna F. Council is joining us at Future Fest to inspire the next generation through truth, storytelling, and the power of education.
Join us at Red Lake Nation College as we welcome a voice that continues to shape understanding, healing, and possibility.
About Donna
Donna F. Council is a Native elder, artist, educator, and advocate for youth whose work centers on truth-telling, healing, and empowerment. Through her lived experience and dedication to education, she has spent years speaking with students and communities about the importance of knowing both history and self.
She is the author of Golden-Brown Indian Girl: A Small Voice Gets LOUDER, a memoir that shares her experience as a Native child taken from her family and placed in a Catholic boarding school in the 1960s. Her story is one of resilience, reflection, and ultimately, reclaiming her voice.
Today, Donna uses her voice to help others—especially young people—recognize the strength in their own stories and the importance of education in shaping their future.
Her Story & Why It Matters
Donna’s story reflects a history that is not always taught, but deeply felt across generations. Through her experiences, she brings awareness to the realities of Native boarding schools and the lasting impact they have had on individuals, families, and communities.
By sharing her story, Donna creates space for truth, understanding, and healing. Her work reminds us that storytelling is not just about the past—it is a powerful tool for shaping the future.
Why Representation Matters
At No Assumptions, we believe that whose stories are told—and who gets to tell them—matters.
Voices like Donna’s have historically been underrepresented and underserved, particularly within education systems. As an Indigenous woman, her lived experience reflects both resilience and the systemic barriers Native communities have faced.
We are committed to creating space where stories like hers are not only heard, but valued. Representation is not about highlighting difference—it’s about recognizing truth, honoring identity, and ensuring that future generations see what is possible for themselves.
Artistry & Expression
In addition to her work as an author and educator, Donna is also an artist. Her creative expression is an extension of her storytelling—grounded in culture, memory, and lived experience.
Whether through writing, visual work, or community storytelling, her art reflects resilience, identity, and the importance of carrying stories forward.
For the Next Generation
Donna’s work is rooted in the belief that education and storytelling are not just personal—they are generational. By sharing her story, she helps create understanding, healing, and opportunity for those who come next.
Her voice continues to plant seeds in young people, encouraging them to learn, grow, and carry their own stories forward.
Your voice matters.
Your story matters.
Your future is bigger than what you may see today.
Education is not just about school—it’s about understanding who you are, where you come from, and where you want to go. There is power in your voice, and there is space for you in every path you choose to pursue.
Future Fest at Red Lake Nation College
We are proud to support Donna as a guest speaker at Future Fest, hosted by Red Lake Nation College.
Future Fest is a space for students and community members to explore possibilities, connect with opportunities, and imagine their futures. Through her talk, Donna will speak about:
- The importance of education
- Finding and using your voice
- The power of storytelling
- Pursuing paths beyond what you may see today
Her presence is more than a speaking engagement—it’s an opportunity for connection, inspiration, and possibility.
Join us at Future Fest at Red Lake Nation College
Be part of Future Fest.
Listen. Learn. Be inspired.
Support voices that matter—and help shape a future where every story has a place.
No Assumptions exists to challenge narratives, amplify underrepresented voices, and create space for honest conversations that lead to understanding and equity.
We believe in the power of storytelling, the importance of representation, and the impact of education in building stronger, more inclusive communities.
We believe in creating space where stories like Donna's are not only heard but valued as essential to understanding our shared history and shaping a more equitable future.
Your voice matters. Your story matters. Your future is yours to shape.
