What’s your name?
Taanishi! Boon swayr. My name is Brennan Kenneth Brown (he/him), but my friends call me Kenny.
What’s your background and perspective?
I am a proud member of the Red River Métis Nation. I come from the land of the Red River, which is called Miskwaagamiwi-ziibi in Anishinaabemowin, and Rouge Rivière in French. This land is also known as Wīn-nipi (Winnipeg) in Cree, meaning “muddy waters.”
Being Métis, I carry the stories and strength of my ancestors who thrived along the Red River and the prairies. I am committed to honoring the spirit of wahkootowin (kinship) by building relationships with the land, the people, and all living things.
Beyond that, I am a 28-year-old Queer English Honours undergraduate in my final year at Mount Royal University. I run a student-run community called write club focused on building and nurturing the young adult creative writing community in Calgary.
I have experience in web development and I’m a huge proponent of the IndieWeb, open source practices, and accessibility in web design. I’m a poet and I love bullet chess (1800 ELO on Lichess). I’m also really into systems thinking, mechanical keyboards, and decaf coffee.
What do you love about Calgary, and how would you like to see it improve?
Calgary has been my home for many years, and I love its vibrant (albeit underground) arts scene, proximity to nature, and the spirit of innovation always permeating the city. I would love to make this city more inclusive, sustainable, and livable for all residents.
Like everyone else here, I want Calgary to become a more walkable city with improved public transportation. I’m passionate about green spaces and making our urban environment more accessible to everyone, regardless of abilities. I’m also deeply interested in third places, safe injection sites, and affordable housing and rent control.
What inspired you to join our movement?
Unsprawling’s mission resonates deeply with me. I’ve always been a layperson when it comes to urban development and discourse, but I really want to start sinking my teeth into it. As someone who has always been passionate about community building and storytelling, I see Unsprawling as a fantastic platform to contribute my skills and learn from others who share similar goals. I’m inspired by the collective’s commitment to reducing polarization and taking productive action to rejuvenate our city. I have to thank Emma Berger for recommending me to join!
What are you hoping to achieve with us?
I have a rather unique skillset, and would love to be utilized in whatever way would be most effective and meaningful. I’m fairly busy at the moment in my studies, but I am dedicated to carving out time to things that matter like this.
I’d love to collaborate on educational content on urban issues and encourage civic engagement, help organize and participate in events and creative projects that bring positive change to this city, and utilise my experience in fostering inclusive communities to help Unsprawling grow membership.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask!