Leadership is guiding or influencing others. By articulating a clear vision of what decisions should be made in social and community-based organizations, and also having to make sound and sometimes difficult decisions.
As part of my series about “authors who are making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Michelle Rice-Gauvreau.
Michelle Rice-Gauvreau’s important new book WHO AM I? pulls back the curtain on an unsettling chapter of indigenous history. Michelle is a compassionate advocate for all adoptees looking for their own truth, peace and hope. A native Mohawk woman born in Canada, she was raised in Connecticut via an illegal adoption, which was commonplace for many native babies throughout many years across North America. Michelle now works as a legal professional for a prestigious law firm. Through her book, speaking engagements, and conversations with the media, she hopes to instill her strength to any adoptee struggling to find their way.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
Of course. My name is Michelle Rice Gauvreau. I am Native American from Canada. I was born on the reservation and illegally adopted in 1969. My father who adopted was also from the same reservation. Sadly, he died before I turned three years old, leaving me with an abusive mother who just did not know what to do with me. I landed in foster care after meeting my birth mother and family at the very tender age of 15 years old. It was in foster care that I had to grow up pretty fast and learned how to navigate life through its twists and turns.
When you were younger, was there a book that you read that inspired you to take action or changed your life? Can you share a story about that?
The book series that was my favorite was The Hollisters (mysteries). The series made me go into a different world, wanting to be a part of their family, solving mysteries together.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
When I first started to write this book, Who Am I? I remember I was so tired one night that I actually started writing about something else that absolutely had nothing to do with this book. When my book coach caught it she actually emailed me and said “Um, I don’t think you want to write about your shopping experience slipping on broken eggs.” Oop!. It was a ‘you had to be there’ moment. From then on, I made sure I was wide awake when I was writing or doing those midnight edits!
Can you describe how you aim to make a significant social impact with your book?
My aim or goal is to hopefully have my book become the catalyst to change how adoption happens. I was illegally adopted and my birth certificate was forged to the point that US officials claimed it was fraud when I tried to apply for a passport. Both the US and Canada didn’t know what to do with me. Chapter 13. Another aim to help other adoptees to find their voice about their own circumstances. Not all adoptions are wonderful.
Can you share with us the most interesting story that you shared in your book?
Please see above. That was one of the most interesting stories. There is also the story of how I met my birth father. He acknowledged me but then denied me. That I believe is Chapter 11.
What was the “aha moment” or series of events that made you decide to bring your message to the greater world? Can you share a story about that?
I had always wanted to write a book about myself but wasn’t sure how. In 2019, I became ill and was hospitalized. When I was told I was going to be ok, I knew then I needed to write my story because it had to be told. So I started writing random paragraphs but I needed help and called a friend of my mine who is a book coach/editor. She helped me to make my book what it is today making sure I had all my I’s dotted and my T’s crossed.
Without sharing specific names, can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
I believe an adoptee group that I am a part of here in Connecticut is being helped by a cause. Actually, we all support each other. We all have similar stories and they have told me that my book is powerful. I’m proud of that.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Absolutely! They can help adoptees by making sure all adoption records are open and legal. All adoptees should have the right to know their background, and their birth families and they should absolutely have the right to see their birth records and adoption paperwork.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
Leadership is guiding or influencing others. By articulating a clear vision of what decisions should be made in social and community-based organizations, and also having to make sound and sometimes difficult decisions.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.
- Writing is not easy.
- Keep going, you’ve got a story to tell.
- Keep pushing
- Breathe
- It’s ok to cry, and cry again.
So this story relates to all five answers above. When I first started, it was not easy and I did not know what I was getting into really until it was done. It was not easy but I kept going with my writing (along with help from my book coach) even when it didn’t make sense at times. I kept pushing. I had to remember to breathe (which I talk about in my book) and I did cry when I relived certain experiences. I needed to stay the course and I did
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
There are always three choices in life: give up, give in, or give it all you’ve got.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Michelle Obama. She is just an awesome lady with whom I would just love to meet. She inspires me to write more and to be more involved with the community.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Website: https://www.michellegauvreau.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladystarre & https://www.facebook.com/adopteesmatter/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladystarre/
Linked In : https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-g-0263a7225/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ladystarre/
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Social Impact Authors: How & Why Author Michelle Rice-Gauvreau Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.