Taryl Bolig-Fineday
Band: Sweetgrass First Nation
Hometown: North Battleford, SK
Program: Aboriginal Policing Preparation certificate
Taryl is upfront about her struggles, and proud of where she’s going today. “I grew up in and out of trouble, but 2016 was the year I completely lost myself,” she says. “I remember waking up one morning and thinking, this isn’t me. How did I allow myself to get to this point? That’s when I knew that I needed to make a change.”
With the support of family and her own sheer grit, Taryl worked hard to take control of her life. “I got a job at a homeless shelter, which gave me a glimpse of what my future might have been if I had continued down the path I was on.”
When Taryl discovered the Aboriginal Policing Preparation program, the First Nation woman knew she had found her career match. “Policing has always been a dream of mine.” Taryl enjoyed the program despite the pandemic restrictions. “There was always someone available to talk with, whether for counselling services, childcare, housing needs or Indigenous services.”
Taryl also discovered something about herself. “I was never much of a sporty person but playing sports with fellow classmates is a favourite memory. Being part of a team felt like being part of a family,” she says.
“Ever since I began my healing journey, I’ve been asking myself what I would do differently. The truth is, I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it weren’t for the struggles I faced growing up as an Indigenous, two-spirited woman.”