As a mother, I’ve watched my daughter Mandy walk a path no woman should ever have to face alone.

Mandy is an Indigenous mother, advocate, and survivor of domestic and post-separation abuse. For years, I’ve witnessed her do everything in her power to protect her children and stand strong in the face of unimaginable challenges. But despite her strength, Mandy has been pulled into years of high-conflict litigation that has left her emotionally and financially depleted.

I’m speaking now not only as her mother, but as someone who can no longer sit quietly while she bears this burden alone.

Why This Fundraiser Matters

Mandy’s legal journey includes precedent-setting court battles. She is the first known litigant to successfully defend Indigenous funds (Robinson Huron Treaty) from exploitation in a family court case — a victory now publicly recognized and discussed by legal professionals. Her story has also been featured in multiple CBC articles, including one where she spoke out about coercive control and the systemic barriers that continue to exist in the justice system.

Her experience exposing coercive control and family court misuse has been featured in multiple CBC stories, including her successful pursuit of justice in having her ex-partner charged with criminal harassment after he stalked her for at least a 9-month period through a baby monitor that was located inside her bedroom. When he retaliated with false charges against her, she was forced to hire an attorney – the charges were later withdrawn — a chilling but all-too-common tactic used against protective mothers.

In the process, Mandy has spent over $200,000 in legal fees — depleting all of her home equity and her RHT compensation. These were not disposable funds; they were her only means of securing housing and basic safety for her and her children. During her most recent court battle, a judge even acknowledged that the financial records available to the court confirm that Mandy has exhausted every available financial resource fighting in this litigation.

Why She Needs Support Now

As the issues in Mandy’s case are narrowing towards a Trial, she is facing an expected cost of at least $100,000 — and she can no longer afford to continue to retain legal counsel without help. Despite reaching out to dozens of non-profit agencies across the country, Indigenous service agencies, legal aid and even her own band and council, Mandy has received no formal support.

How Your Support Will Help

We are hoping to raise these funds to ensure Mandy can continue to be represented at trial and cover the following:

• Trial representation, legal fees, expert testimony

• Court-related costs and filings

• Recovery from the financial strain of years of forced litigation

• Continued public advocacy for systemic change

She is not only fighting for her family — she is exposing how the family law system can be used as a tool for post-separation abuse, particularly against Indigenous women and protective mothers.

Learn More About Mandy’s Fight

To learn more about Mandy’s journey and the person you are supporting, here are a few of the stories and rulings that show just how far Mandy has come — and how much she’s had to endure:

• CBC Article: A mother stands against coercive control and criminal harassment https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/abuse-criminal-harassment-court-1.7331754

• CBC Radio Interview: Mandy speaks about systemic injustice https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/audio/9.6517983

• CBC Article: Indigenous reparations and legal abuse https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/robinson-huron-treaty-annuity-payments-income-confidentiality-1.7563785

• CanLII Precedent: RHT funds successfully protected https://www.canlii.org/en/on/onsc/doc/2025/2025onsc3150/2025onsc3150.html

• CanLII Ruling: Successfully proves unjust enrichment https://www.canlii.org/en/on/onsc/doc/2024/2024onsc5168/2024onsc5168.html

From One Mother to Another

If you are a parent, you know there is no greater pain than watching your child suffer in silence. Mandy has never asked for sympathy — only for fairness while ensuring her and her children are safe. She’s done everything within her power. Now I’m asking for your help to support her in the final leg of the journey as she pushes this matter towards Trial for a resolution.

What You Can Do

Please consider supporting this campaign — no amount is too small. Every donation helps Mandy move closer to justice, closure, and healing. Your help will not only ease the burden she carries — it will help pave the way for others walking the same path as her. These are not just her victories — they’re steps forward for all women facing the same system she is.

If you’re unable to donate, sharing this campaign is a powerful way to help.

Sincerely,

A proud mother standing with her daughter.