Can you tell us a bit about your roots—where you're from, your heritage, and what it means to you?

My name is River Rayne Thomas. I am Plains Cree from the Saulteaux First Nation Treaty 6 territory, and those things mean everything to me. I am a proud Cree Man and proud of the lands and ancestors I come from.

 

What message or story do you hope to convey as a model and public figure?

I hope to push the message that sobriety is important for our people and that YOU can break intergenerational trauma—it doesn't have to continue with you. Most importantly, you can do anything you put your mind to. I feel that we don't often believe we are capable or worthy of doing great things, especially because we don't see people who look like us achieve those things.

That's why I choose to do what I do—so my nieces, nephews, and all the youth have visual proof to see what's possible. Especially with where I come from, statistically, I shouldn't be doing what I'm doing right now. It's about leading by example. Less talking and just doing more, regardless of what that is. It's better to show people what's possible and how to do it rather than just telling them what and how to do it.

 

What are some of the teachings or traditions from your tribe that have shaped who you are today?

Stay humble. Karma is a real thing. Take care of every living thing—we are equal to all of the Creator's creations and above none. Natural law is above all other laws, and with natural law comes balance. So take care of yourself and try to live a balanced lifestyle. Too much of something isn't good—everything is okay in moderation.

 Once again, alcohol is foreign to us. So staying away from it is key to healthier and better living within oneself.

 

In your language or culture, is there a phrase that resonates deeply with you? Could you share it and explain its significance?

"Kiyam" means let it be, it's alright, take no further action. It helps me remember that revenge isn't in our hands. Our elders and my parents always say it. Another phrase is "âkamêyimok," which means "persevere." It reminds me to keep going, stay on course, and push through. Both are teachings from the old ones that mean a lot to me.

 

You've had the opportunity to work on projects that promote sustainability and giving back, like with Sackcloth & Ashes. What drives you to be part of these types of initiatives?

Whatever is close to my culture and teachings will resonate with me. As Indigenous people, we're naturally sustainable. A teaching I was given is to take no more than you need, so giving back or away is a part of that.

I was very excited when Lauren Goodday asked me to be part of this project. The more I learned about what you all truly did, the more inclined I was to help. I see you as friends rather than business acquaintances. I don't do anything business-wise if my heart isn't in it.

 

Lastly, if there's one message or lesson from your journey that you'd like to share with others—what would it be?

Be nice to people. Be yourself. And if you're not a nice person, then work on becoming one. I've gotten more opportunities in this world based on how I have treated people than how I looked. If you're kind and easy to work with, people will want to work with you again. But if you're kind of an a**, no one will want to be around you, regardless of how good you are at what you do. Generally speaking, being genuine is most important.

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