Vinnie Kumala, Junior Data Analyst

Vincentia KumalaPostgraduate Certificate Student, Research Analyst | B.A., English Literature/Anthropology

Having worked in various industries over 4 years in office administration, project management support, and being a jack-of-all-trades person, Vinnie decided to return to school as a research analyst and pursue her passion in working for causes she cares about through research. 

Vinnie grew up in Indonesia, Southeast Asia where energy resources is a major and evolving industry. She believes that local communities must be actively involved in decision-making processes on energy resource development to ensure their livelihood and authority on issues that directly affect them. Since immigrating to Canada, Vinnie has volunteered in groups and organizations that advocate for racial equity, LGBTQ rights and acceptance, and accommodation for newcomers in Canada, mainly at Planned Parenthood Toronto.

Vinnie previously worked as an intern at Iron & Earth, and is excited to rejoin as a Junior Data Analyst to support worker-led initiatives for climate solutions and consultations with local communities.

Iron & Earth was founded and operates on Indigenous land within Treaty Six Territory and Métis Region 4 in amiskwaciy-wâskahikan (in Nehiyawewin/Cree), so-called Edmonton. The home of many Indigenous Peoples including the Nehiyawak/Cree, Tsuut’ina, Niitsitapi/Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Haudenosaunee/Iroquois, Dene Suliné, Anishinaabe/Ojibway/Saulteaux, and the Inuk/Inuit.

We pay our respects to all Indigenous Peoples of this land. Through their spiritual and practical relationships with the land, a rich heritage for our learning and our life as a community has been created and maintained. We recognize that the transition to a low-carbon future must be led by Indigenous Peoples and that there will be no justice unless we acknowledge and repair our relationship with the land.

We are committed to responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and upholding the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and acknowledge that we are always learning and unlearning practices that minimize harm and lead to the development of trust between us and Indigenous Peoples across Nations and urban centers.