Jaiden Riley is a Métis singer/songwriter from Calgary, Alberta, and Emma Justine McCaul is a multidisciplinary artist, entrepreneur, and curator.

Jaiden Riley, a Métis singer/songwriter from Calgary, Alberta, remembers being a happy but insecure and confused eight-year-old, who was often worried about social interactions. Emma, an artist and curator, became her mentor and helped change all that. When they first met, Jaiden remembers feeling finally understood and not being seen as weird. She found someone who would go along with her shenanigans!

Emma’s support allowed Jaiden to explore her artistic talents and boosted her confidence. The first time Jaiden was in a recording studio, recorded a YouTube video, and played a live gig was all thanks to Emma’s mentorship. Jaiden shares that Emma’s influence went beyond artistic opportunities. “For me, what it means to be mentored is finding someone you respect and want to be like when you grow up. Emma was the coolest person in the world to me, and I was encouraged to explore who I am as a person.”

Their relationship was mutually beneficial, deeply impacting both of their lives. Emma reflects on the positive influence Jaiden had on her: “Jaiden shaped who I am, teaching me to take responsibility as a role model”. She adds that mentoring has been incredibly rewarding and emphasizes its value: “We all have something important to share; it’s just the time that makes a difference.”

Today, Jaiden has graduated from Mount Royal University’s education program and is pursuing a career as a teacher. She credits Emma’s guidance for helping her believe in herself and providing opportunities that shaped her musicianship and career aspirations. Jaiden believes, “Mentoring is a balance of showing the good way of doing things but also encouraging creativity and individual self-expression. I got the best of both worlds from Emma.” Their story is a testament to the powerful, lasting impact of mentoring and the incredible opportunities it can provide.