About Erin
Taansii, I’m a Métis writer and mom in so-called British Columbia (unceded Quw'utsun territory). My paternal Métis roots come from the Red River Settlements and Qu'Appelle Valley, and my maternal ancestry is British, Ukrainian and Russian Mennonite.
I grew up believing in conspiracy theories and with a deep fear of the devil, despite my own secret interest in the macabre. A high school drop-out, I was skeptical of all science and authority which led to my vehement rejection of climate science and vaccines… until I attended university as a first generation student where I explored anti-capitalism, feminist theory and critical history, sparking the epiphany that I had been wrong about so much.
Now an activist and writer, I’ve given keynote presentations at Harvard Divinity School and the Centre for Civic Governance on the topics of conspiracy culture and the far-right, and I’m currently finishing my masters degree from University of Victoria, specializing in cultural, social and political thought. My work appears in Atmos, Waging Nonviolence, Ricochet, CBC, rabble, the Tyee, the Globe & Mail, and more.
Most recently, I’ve worked as a Communications Advisor at BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner, as the Director of Communications at the Climate Emergency Unit, as the host and producer of Break In Case of Emergency, and as a monthly columnist for rabble.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Artificial intelligence: transhumanism, and techno-eschatology
Feminist study of heresy and diabolicalism
Feminism in the Middle Ages
Origins and evolution of folklore on Satan, demons, and evil
Contemporary fascism and far-right movements
Liberation theology and autotheoretical approaches to state/political violence
EDUCATION
2025 - 2027, Masters of Sociology (in progress), University of Victoria
Cultural, Social & Political Thought concentration; research focus on AI ethics, AI regulation, techno-eschatology, and the security and intelligence implications of emerging technology — including a sociological analysis of Big Tech and transhumanism.
2017 - 2021, Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, Vancouver Island University
2021, Anti-Racism Anthropology Internship, Vancouver Island University & Cowichan Intercultural Society
2020, Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, Vancouver Island University & Nanaimo Correctional Centre
2014 - 2015, Communications Certificate, Camosun College
AWARDS, FELLOWSHIPS & DISTINCTIONS
2026, Artistic Creation Award, Canada Council for the Arts
2026, Graduate Fellowship (Masters), University of Victoria
2023, The Journey of a Story: Indigenous Storytelling, Uproot Project (Grist)
2022, Indigenous Journalism Fellowship, CBC & Canadian Journalism Foundation
2021, The Cole Schisler Award, Vancouver Island University
2021, Finalist for the Emerging Leader Award , BC Multiculturalism Awards
2020, Anthropology Student Award, Vancouver Island University
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
2024, Land Back for Journalists, Institute for Journalism & Natural Resources
2023, Journalism Mentorship, Canadian Association of Journalists
2023, Journalism Writing Workshop, The Breach
2022, Story-Based Inquiry Method, Centre for Investigative Journalism
2021 - 2022, Digital Podcast Storytelling Masterclass, Good Influence Films & Indigenous 150+
SERVICE & VOLUNTEER
2022 - Present, Co-Founder & Organizer, Revolve Cowichan
Revolve Cowichan is an anti-capitalist and feminist social justice collective focussing on mutual aid, resistance, political education, and climate action, mobilizing over 200 community members with a shared desire to fight for human rights and liberation
2025, Peer Reviewer, Shake Up The Establishment
2025, Advisory & Oversight Committee Member, Canadian Youth Climate Assembly
2022 - 2024, Board Director, Cowichan Women Against Violence Society
2021 - 2022, Board Director, West Coast Climate Action Network (WE-CAN)