Nicole Taylor-Sterritt says knowing how to recharge yourself is important because staying mentally fit is important.

Nicole Taylor-Sterritt is the marketing lead for Iskew Air, an Indigenous woman led airline, she's also the program coordinator for the Indigenous LIFT Collective and a cofounder for the Indigenous Women’s Leadership Summit. And when all those roles become overwhelming, she's grateful to be able to go hiking.

"I live in such a beautiful part of the world and literally out my door, I have hiking trails and really try to take advantage of that as much as I can. Try to spend time outdoors, breathe outdoors. That's so helpful. And connect with people that are the ones that care about you and they care about your mental health and not spend too much time on a screen," said Taylor-Sterritt, who is of Gitxsan and European descent. 

She is involved in marketing, communications, and in the culinary world. Taylor-Sterritt has education in wine, culinary arts and holds a business degree. And advocates for people to try new things and move. 

“Times can be really, really hard, especially when you're living on your own, and you moved to a place where you don't necessarily know anyone, but going through those challenging times, and kind of having that, not saying that a roller coaster of emotions is necessarily a good thing, but at the end of the day it teaches you so much,” said Taylor-Sterritt.

She's lived in Squamish territory, Kelowna and Edmonton. And credits a strong family and support team with helping her get through it. 

Taylor-Sterritt says one of the most challenging moments was organizing the Indigenous Women’s Leadership Summit with her mother. She was lead on marketing, helping with communication and was the point person for the hotels. Taylor-Sterritt says it was hard to always be working. 

“It's a lot and you're on. Yeah, you're on just all the time. So a lot, but super, super rewarding. And I love it. And I’m so proud of what we've done, but it takes a toll,” said Taylor-Sterritt. 

When she was a student she felt guilty about taking time away from her studies and felt like she should be studying. Her advice to young people who may feel the same way is to take a deep breath and refuel and trust the process. 

Taylor-Sterritt says she finds other Indigenous women inspiring and are real trailblazers. But she also finds young people uplifting too. 

“The things that young people are doing these days are so inspiring and so cool and so innovative. And I'm so grateful to be a witness to that,” said Taylor-Sterritt.

Thanks to Oscar Baker III for writing this article.