Cathy Petrolo is a dedicated advocate for Indigenous rights based in Canada. Her journey into this field began through a deeply personal connection – her common-law partner’s 29-year struggle to obtain his Certificate of Indigenous Status. This experience opened her eyes to the systemic challenges Indigenous peoples face and ignited a passion for social justice. Now enrolled in an Indigenous Studies program, Cathy Petrolo continues to expand her knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures and issues. Her work combines persistence, empathy, and a strong commitment to equity.
In this interview, Petrolo shares her perspectives on career challenges, future trends, and personal motivations in the field of Indigenous rights advocacy.
How do you stay inspired and motivated during challenging times?
I set small goals, breaking down large tasks into manageable steps. Achieving these small goals gives me a sense of accomplishment and keeps me moving forward. I also focus on maintaining a positive mindset, reflecting on what I appreciate in my life through gratitude practice. Surrounding myself with positivity and prioritizing self-care—both mentally and physically—helps me stay grounded and resilient during tough times.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
I find Artificial Intelligence incredibly fascinating. I am excited about how AI is revolutionizing industries, especially in terms of automation and decision-making. On a personal level, I also enjoy travel and food trends, particularly how cultural shifts are reflected in these areas.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing your business today?
One of the biggest challenges is the over-reliance on online sources. Many people assume that Googling information is always accurate, leading them to self-advocate based on inaccurate advice from forums and unverified sources. This misinformation makes it harder to advocate for individuals effectively.
Where do you think your industry/profession will be in 5 or 10 years?
In 5 to 10 years, I envision that the field of Indigenous rights advocacy will have evolved through a combination of digital tools and community-driven initiatives. Technology will play a larger role in creating awareness and simplifying bureaucratic processes. Additionally, increased attention to social justice issues will hopefully lead to more streamlined and equitable treatment for Indigenous peoples, especially in areas like healthcare and education.
What advice would you give to someone seeking a career in your industry?
Focus on persistence and resilience. Advocating for Indigenous rights or any social justice cause requires unwavering commitment. Learn to balance empathy with strong-willed determination, and make sure to educate yourself on the historical and cultural contexts of the issues you’re working to solve.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
If I could start over, I would conduct more thorough market research before launching into advocacy efforts. I would also leverage digital tools and social media to raise awareness through platforms like vlogs, podcasts, and videos. Creating a solid funding strategy earlier on, perhaps through grants or crowdfunding, would have been a primary focus too.
Why is your city a great place to live and work?
Cultural and economic diversity make my city a great place to live and work. It is home to some of the top universities and educational institutions, which foster a thriving intellectual environment. Moreover, the city offers excellent networking opportunities for those involved in advocacy, business, and social justice.
What single project or task would you consider your most significant career accomplishment?
My most significant accomplishment is obtaining a Certificate of Indigenous Status for my partner after a 29-year battle with Northern Indian Affairs. This case was incredibly personal—I worked on it for 11 years, and the bureaucratic delays exposed the corruption and systemic discrimination within the governmental system, which continues to hold back Indigenous peoples from accessing their rights.
Do you have any hobbies or interests? How do you like to spend your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy staying physically active and often spend time at the gym training with my personal trainer. I’m also currently enrolled in an Indigenous Studies program, so I dedicate a lot of my evenings to studying and learning more about the communities I advocate for. When I can, I enjoy traveling and exploring new culinary trends.
Please share a quote that you have found particularly meaningful or inspiring.
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” This quote resonates deeply with me as I reflect on the long and challenging battles I’ve fought—both professionally and personally—in advocating for Indigenous rights.
Cathy Petrolo brings a unique perspective to Indigenous rights advocacy, shaped by personal experiences and a deep commitment to social justice. Her journey began with her partner’s struggle for Indigenous status recognition, which exposed her to the systemic challenges faced by Indigenous communities in Canada. This experience ignited a passion for advocacy and led Petrolo to pursue further education in Indigenous Studies.
“Growing up in Toronto, Canada, never in my educational curriculum was I taught Indigenous cultures or existences,” Petrolo explains. “It is important to understand the cultures with respect and open-mindedness to recognize their unique place in Canadian society.”
Cathy Petrolo’s approach to advocacy combines persistence with empathy. She emphasizes the importance of understanding historical and cultural contexts when working on Indigenous rights issues. Her work involves not only fighting bureaucratic battles but also raising awareness about the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous peoples.
“It is my opinion that most of the injustices, challenges, and failures (whether health, clean water, or housing) were and are caused by the Canadian Government,” Petrolo states. She aims to contribute to positive change by advocating for Indigenous peoples’ rights and educating others about these important issues.
Cathy Petrolo is dedicated to Indigenous rights advocacy and that extends beyond her professional life. She continues to educate herself through formal studies and personal experiences, always seeking to deepen her understanding of Indigenous cultures and contemporary issues. Her work serves as an example of how personal experiences can lead to meaningful advocacy and social change.
Cathy Petrolo’s journey in Indigenous rights advocacy showcases the power of persistence, empathy, and continuous learning. Her experiences highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities in Canada and the importance of dedicated advocates in addressing these issues. The interview provides valuable insights into the field of Indigenous rights advocacy and the personal motivations that drive individuals like Cathy Petrolo to make a difference.
By Chris Bates
