Tamela Friesen has always had a keen interest in serving her community, becoming more passionate and knowledgeable about social, environmental and democratic justice along the way. She worked three years as Community Development Coordinator in inner-city Winnipeg, fostering food security and interdependence among residents. She spent ten years in rural Manitoba owning and operating a bed and breakfast, market garden and consulting company. She was also a founding board member of the Farmers’ Market Association of Manitoba and president of the Roblin Farmers’ Market. For the last six years, Tamela as worked as an Admission Specialist for graduate studies at the University of Regina.
Volunteerism is important to Tamela. She has served the Saskatchewan Cycling Association as safety educator, the Wascana Freewheelers as weekend tour coordinator, the University of Regina Curling Club as president, and the McNab Community Association as newsletter editor. In all capacities, Tamela enjoys teaching and learning from others and facilitating their successes.
Tamela is particularly passionate about food security, poverty elimination, elder care and reconciliation. Aggressively tending to the health of our planet is the foundation for all of these passions, and climate action is at the centre of all her work. Tamela believes that renewing democratic institutions will make way for effective climate policy and greater equity.
Tamela lives and works in Regina with her partner of nineteen years, Karen Hardy. Both enjoy friends and family, cycling, community involvement, cross-country skiing, continuous learning and their two cats. Tamela completed a Master’s Certificate in Public Policy Analysis in 2016.