Kelsi is of Métis and Eastern European ancestry from Treaty 6 territory. Her family is from Lac La Biche, with roots in Red River, and she is registered with the Métis Nation of Alberta. Kelsi is passionate about enlivening traditions of Indigenous governance rooted in care and relationality. Whether she is working to restore Native plant ecosystems or engaged in harm reduction advocacy, Kelsi is dedicated to upholding infrastructures of mutual aid centred on life to build new futures. Kelsi has a BA in Psychology and Native Studies, a certificate in Indigenous Governance from the University of Alberta, and a Master's in Political Science from the University of Toronto. She is the Community Engagement Lead with the Yellowhead Institute.