Meet The Manitoba Advocate

Sherry Gott hails from Sapotaweyak Cree Nation, which is in Northern Manitoba. She speaks the Swampy Cree dialect and is a proud member of her community. Sherry is a survivor of both the Residential School System and Day School. She acknowledges all the Elders and Knowledge Keepers who have graciously offered her the most significant learnings to help her walk a path of humility. In her work as a social worker, she is guided by the teachings and walks this path with children, youth, and family members. Sherry is the first Indigenous Cree woman from Northern Manitoba to be appointed into the role of Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth. She does not take this role lightly and sees the importance of working together to support all children, youth, and families.

She has over 30 years of experience working in the areas of child welfare, education, and mental health. Her most memorable work is working with 3-5 year-old children in a Headstart program. Those children gave her insight into the importance of unconditional love with no expectations other than being present.

Sherry graduated in 2019 with a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Manitoba; she graduated with a Bachelor of Social Worker degree in 2003. She is a registered Social Worker through the college of Social Workers in Manitoba and is in good standing. In 2011, she received an Aboriginal Social Work Society award for her Significant contributions to community and in 2021 she received a Distinguished award for her front-line work during the pandemic.

Since October 2022, Sherry has served as the Manitoba Advocate, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the office and fiercely advocating for young people across the province. She has played an integral role in building relationships with community partners, Indigenous Governing Bodies, governments, and other key stakeholders. Under her tenure, the Serious Injury Regulation came into force and a new compliance monitoring model has been put in place, making for meaningful change in serving the children, youth, and young adults of Manitoba.

Sherry is an active member of the Canadian Council of Child and Youth Advocates (CCCYA), a group comprised of child and youth advocates from across Canada. Together the group explores common issues and trends impacting young people, advocates for change, and presents a united front in upholding the rights of children under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

When Sherry is not at work, she’s spending time with her husband, three sons, and four grandchildren. She enjoys sewing, camping, and being involved with her community.