Nadia
“You are so much stronger than you think, and all those who want to drag you down are only unhappy with themselves. That the negative treatment you may receive is not a reflection of the person you are, but instead the person they are.”
A strong leader, Nadia is determined to use her platform as well as her lived experiences to highlight the challenges faced by Indigenous people in Canada. She is a self-identified warrior and it’s evident why. Nadia has been overcoming obstacles since she was just a child. As a young mother, she faced the adversities of raising a child while navigating her own growth and independence. She also experienced a series of toxic relationships which she fought to overcome. But her resilience has led her to where she is today - a passionate performer and determined advocate. Alongside her roles as an actor and media personality, she is an ambassador for Water First and MotiV8 Canada, an advisor to Child Welfare PAC, and a BIPOC mentor for LB Acting Studio. Nadia is determined not to let her experiences define her, but to use them to propel forward in the fight for Indigenous rights. Meet Nadia. This is her story.
P: Please introduce yourself!
N: Hello my name is Nadia George and I am a Nahua-Canadian Actor, Media Personality, and Public Educator. I was born in Guelph and currently based in Toronto, Ontario Canada.
P: Describe or define yourself in your own words.
N: This is always difficult for me as I feel like we are always evolving, growing, and changing. But if I had to choose one word I would say Warrior! For all that I have been through, the choices I’ve made and where I am today, one needs to fight the war that is raging inside themselves and come out the victor. I feel like in this moment of my life I am healing and winning the battle.
P: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
N: My empathy, curiosity, drive and my sense of humour.
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
N: I became a parent at the age of 18 and fought my way through many struggles, leading to toxic and abusive relationships later on in life. Both my parents had very traumatic upbringings, and this made it a bit more difficult for them to navigate the waters of parenting. For me as a child there were many happy times, but also ones I wish on no child or person. Being a young mom is an experience unlike any other, you are still trying to navigate you are becoming, while raising and guiding another’s life. Being a mom made me realize how important our 7 grandfather teachings are, and that it is okay to get lost on the way because the good path or life is always waiting for you to find it again. I know it may seem odd that I’m grateful for all these lived moments, but they have contributed to the strong resilient Indigenous woman I am today. I now do my best to use the teachings, lived experiences, and the platform I’ve gained, to bring awareness to the challenges that Indigenous people face in Canada.
P: What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
N: You are so much stronger than you think, and all those who want to drag you down are only unhappy with themselves. That the negative treatment you may receive is not a reflection of the person you are, but instead the person they are. Surround yourself with those who genuinely want the best for you, and that it is okay to put yourself first.
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
N: I think this is a hard one to define. Personally for me when I hear the word woman I think of strength, solidarity, gift from creator, leader and nurturer.
P: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
C: It would be my little sister Chantel. She makes proud everyday, and she inspires me to keep doing the work I do. I would tell her she is worthy of so much happiness, and that she should never define herself by the things that have happened to her, or the negative things that have been said to her. I would tell her I love her so much, and no matter what she chooses for her life I will stand beside her and fight with her all the way.
I also love Charlize Theron and would ask to send her my demo reel, and ask for a chance to audition for one of her productions *laughs*.