Cathy (Caterina) Petrolo

Caterina Petrolo is a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights in Canada. Her commitment began through a personal journey—supporting her common-law partner in a decades-long struggle to obtain Aboriginal Status after being adopted at birth. Confronted by systemic barriers, Caterina worked persistently to challenge government processes, eventually securing his recognition in 2020 after nearly 30 years. Raised in Toronto without exposure to Indigenous history, this experience profoundly deepened her understanding and empathy. Caterina is now enrolled in Indigenous Studies at the University of Alberta and is dedicated to promoting cultural awareness, equity, and justice for Indigenous communities across Canada.