Michael is working towards a revolution rooted in love, equity & justice.
Biography
Michael Redhead Champagne is working towards a revolution that dismantles harmful systems and builds up new ones based on justice, equity and love. A community leader from Winnipeg's North End with family roots in Shamattawa First Nation, Michael is host, helper, published author, on-screen personality and sought after public speaker. Michael happily shares his words, wisdom and welcoming energy across Canada and around the world.
Michael believes Indigenous knowledge will save the world and this can be seen in his commitment to Ininew concepts such as wahkotowin, mino bimadisiwin & more. He is actively working on reclaiming his Ininew language and in 2023 started a language nest at the St John's Public Library. Whether it's eliminating poverty, ending homelessness or increasing supports for children, youth and families, he is relentless in his pursuit of a more compassionate world. He organizes the annual North End Grad Walk, the North End Historical Society and is a board member for Fearless R2W & the Manitoba Health Coalition.
You can find him speaking out about poverty, politics and reconciliation on social media, podcasts, video projects and in the news. Featured on multiple TEDx Talks, APTN’s Michif Country & First Contact, Michael is also developing a number of storytelling and multi media projects. He loves family friendly jokes, Tetris, Stevie Wonder music and celebrating the successes of others.
Michael's first children’s book, We Need Everyone, premieres with HighWater Press in January 2024.
Adventures, awards & appointments
Adventures
2021 Michif Country - Episode 6 guest (APTN)
2021 Protect Our People MB Campaign influencer
2021 Pray For Me Darryl Buck’s second round dance album, contributor to track “wakotowin”
2020 Fearless R2W Inc - Co-founder & board chair
2019 Sounding of the Conch - Travelled to Belize to work with Maya youth on building their own youth led movement
2019 First Contact Season 2 Advisor and host of live reunion show (APTN)
2018 First Contact Season 1 - Episode 1 guest (APTN)
2017 Governor General Meritorious Service Decoration recipient for Outstanding Indigenous Leadership
2017 Walrus Talks “We Want A Better History”
2017 Hope Darryl Buck’s round dance album, contributor to title track
2016 TEDxUniversityOfWinnipeg “Street Education”
2012 TEDxManitoba “Talk Oppression To Opportunity”
Awards & Appointments
2020 Canadian Urban Institute Regional Lead - Winnipeg
2018-21 Kids Help Phone - Indigenous Advisory Committee
2018 Government of Manitoba Child Welfare Legislative Review Committee
2018 Kids Help Phone Regional Volunteer Award - Adult
2017 Member of the Expert Panel on Youth Employment with Employment and Social Development Canada
2016 Member of Bank of Canada #bankNOTEable advisory committee which selected Viola Desmond to appear on the new $10 bill
2016 Canadian Red Cross Manitoba Young Humanitarian of the Year
2016 CBC Manitoba Future 40 recipient
2015 TIME Magazine Next Generation Leader
Manitoba Hero (2013), Future Leader of Manitoba (2009), Manitoba Aboriginal Youth Achievement Award - Community (2008)
Frequently Asked Questions
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Michael’s job is being a public speaker, a host and an author. He has been supported by the team at POP Entertainment & Management since May of 2012!
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Michael was born on April 13, 1987 in Winnipeg, MB!
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Michael currently blogs at MichaelRedheadChampagne.com/BLOG and has been blogging here since April 2020!
Over the years his blogs have been eMCeeZ LoG on Blogger from 2009-2012, and North End MC on WordPress from 2012-2020.
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In 2022, Michael volunteers with Fearless R2W Inc, North End Community Renewal Corporation & the Manitoba Health Coalition as a board member. These connect him to a number of other groups and coalition around community development, health and justice.
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Michael has written one (1) children’s book released in January 2024, We Need Everyone.
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Michael has never done any TED Talks, but has participated in 2 TEDx Talks, which are locally organized events of a similair nature. In 2012 he spoke at TEDxManitoba and delivered the talk entitled “Oppression to Opportunity” and in 2016 he delivered a TEDxUniversityofWinnipeg Talk entitled Street Education.
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Yes Michael has a pet, an awesome grey cat named Sushi.
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You will get a different answer based on the mood he is in. He loves blue and yellow and red and pink. He also loves a good gradient of any number of sunset type colours!