Melissa Montana

Tansi Kiya Wakomakanak! It's me again, asking for your help. My sister needs help with her hearing aids and we need to keep Shady in school and their community fed. I am asking for Donations again, to help Nimis with her hearing aid and for Nibabam my Shady to stay in school and keep her community fed. They always need water, food and medical supplies. On this day of Truth and Reconciliation, I ask you my relatives for hope and healing for my sister and Shady. Please, Donate or Share ✨️ We could not do this without your generosity and help. Wahkotowin, Mamawetan, Pimatisiwin Thank you all! Kinanaskomitin from the bottom of my heart. pictured, Me and Nimama ❤️ At 27 years old, Nimama was brutally attacked and left to die. Her face has been reconstructed and she has to face the memory of this each day in the mirror. You give us hope that one day, Indigenous women like Nimama will have justice and peace. She is strong like Maskwa our relative the bear ❤️ Truth and reconciliation! Hi! Hi! Kinanaskomitin! Love, -Melissa

Tānisi, friends and supporters, ​As an Indigenous person, this journey is deeply personal to me. I know firsthand what it feels like to navigate displacement, to carry the weight of being forgotten, and to push through systems that were never built to support us. ​That lived experience is precisely why standing in solidarity with other Indigenous people, (both locally and around the world) is so crucial. Our struggles may span different lands and borders, but our roots, our shared resilience, and our connection to one another run deep. When one of us is overlooked, it impacts us all. Supporting one another isn't just about offering help, it's about honoring our collective strength, protecting our future, and ensuring no one is left to fight these battles alone. ​Your support helps bridge that gap and brings real, meaningful change to a life that truly matters. Thank you for standing with us, for listening, and for helping us ensure that our stories and our people are never forgotten. ​Ekosi, thank you so much for your continued support and kindness.

Community and Growth Focused ​Guided by connection, culture, and continuous growth, Shadi embodies resilience and heart. Always learning, always building, and always standing strong for her community. Hi! Hi! Relatives for supporting our cause! We could not make this journey without your generosity. ❤️ There is hope for Shadi and her community ahead! Kinanaskomotin ❤️

Tanisi! ​Just a quick note of gratitude and joy! I am beyond proud of Shadi for staying focused and dedicated to finishing school. ​Beyond the classroom, Shadi holds a deep dream of doing theatre, a gift that will allow them to shine and tell powerful stories. Your support does more than cover expenses, it gives Shadi the freedom and confidence to pursue that stage dream. ​Thank you all for lifting Shadi up and believing in what’s ahead! ​Kinanaskomotin kitasohokewin, ❤️ -Melissa

Tanisi Kiya, Kahkiyaw Awiya! A very heartfelt hello to everyone! ​We wanted to jump on here and share an incredible, heart-opening update about what Shady has been up to lately. ​Beyond balancing their own journey, Shady’s heart and energy have always been rooted in deep community care. Recently, they have been putting in continuous work to help bring a fellow trans relative into a safe, supportive community space. ​Creating true safety and belonging for trans folks takes real, grounded effort, from coordinating logistics and physical support to making sure our people feel welcomed, held, and surrounded by love. Shady has been stepping up to bridge those gaps, proving once again that mutual aid isn't just a concept to them, it’s a daily practice. Tapwe! I am truly proud of them. Kihceyim! Please donate, share or follow us on our social media for more updates Tiktok: @[email redacted].exile Instagram: @Shad.y20064 @_echoplex_ Kisewatisi ❤️ Thank you for your donations and for standing with us! I am doing my best to stand in as Mother and Big Sister for Shady, but It wouldn't be possible without your help, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support! Dankeschon ❤️ (photo of me) (photo of Shady before the devastating war)

​Hello, my name is Melissa :) and I am dedicated to supporting the vibrant but often marginalized queer community in Sudan. My work focuses on providing essential resources, mentorship, and safe spaces for queer youth. ​I am raising funds to help cover my monthly living expenses, allowing me to continue this critical work full-time. Your contribution directly supports our efforts to foster resilience and visibility.