MONA HARDY was born in Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek (Rocky Bay First Nation) and left home at a young age. She lived across Canada and the world. Mona was an artist, dancer, craftsperson, and knowledge keeper in her community. She was also a patient advocacy leader for Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and beyond, working with patients in the renal department, where she has been one of the most successful dialysis patients ever seen. Mona lead a support group for trans and two-spirit people through the Northwest Community Health Centre and was a part of the Ontario Native Women’s Association’s provincial advisory board, Anti-Human Trafficking Liaison Programme, and an advocate for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. In 2021, she was awarded the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, the highest award for civilian volunteers in Canada.

Mona died on 12 February, 2024, after decades on dialysis, from metastasis of renal cancer. Always a lover of drama, Mona died ten days before the Ontario Native Women’s Association would throw her a book launch party. While we appreciate her cinematic timing, we mourn her loss and know that she is with her loved ones and the Creator in the stars.