Nicole Augustine is Mi’kmaq from Elsipogtog First Nation and is a mother to two children. She is currently in her second year of the Mi’kmaq Maliseet Bachelor of Social Work at St. Thomas University. Nicole has worked for her community and other First Nations communities in numerous capacities, including in areas of health and wellness. She knows the barriers that First Nations face, especially off-reserve in New Brunswick. Nicole’s passion lies in addressing the inequalities of the child welfare system for Indigenous children, especially by looking at how the best interests of the child are defined and interpreted within legislation and social policy.