PROJECT MANAGER

Lauren is a program manager and human resource professional committed to contributing to a more equitable and inclusive world. She has over a decade of experience in human resources, Indigenous engagement and equity, diversity and inclusion predominantly within the post-secondary and energy sectors. Lauren is Cree and of mixed- European ancestry and is a proud citizen of Alexander First Nation in Treaty 6 territory. Lauren uses a values-centric and intersectional approach to program development and project management and is guided by the ethical principles of reciprocity, responsibility, relevance and respect. She has witnessed first-hand the power of co-creation, intercultural capacity-building and ethical community engagement to develop programs and opportunities that truly reflect the needs of participants. Lauren holds a Master of Arts in Global Leadership from Royal Roads University, where her work focused on the reciprocal benefits of Indigenous youth using experiential-learning opportunities to build solidarity and to further the adoption and implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. She is a life-long learner and is currently pursuing courses in Indigenous project management and global program evaluation.

ADVISOR

Tansi kahkiyaw. Jolene Gray nisîkasôn. I am a Cree woman from the Treaty 8 territory. I am from the Whitefish Lake First Nation #459. I live and work in Treaty 6 territory and have been with Edmonton Public School Board for 15 years. My goal as a teacher is to have my students see themselves in me as a teacher. I am a grassroots advocate for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit content to be showcased, revered, and celebrated at every opportunity. As a Sakaw Nehiyaw, I have a personal interest in sharing information about Nehiyawêwin Education for Reclamation and Reconciliation. My educational background in Indigenous pedagogy, history, and policy, in addition, to my own lived experience has allowed me to implement Nehiyaw Ways of Knowing and Being in providing a strategy to preserve, revitalize and promote ways of knowing. I have an exceptional understanding about following local cultural protocols to finding out what each community needs through building relationships. Additionally, I enjoy participating in cultural events in different communities.

ADVISOR

Julien Morizio has taught in diverse educational settings and began his teaching career working for the Cree School Board in Northern Quebec. After obtaining a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from McGill University, Julien worked with Kapawe’no First Nation to help establish a new school for the Nation. As the school’s principal, he played a key role in developing an educational plan that integrated Cree culture and LAW (Land, Air, Water) teachings. In the school’s inaugural year, Julien led its teacher team to win the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence. He also implemented Impact Society’s "Heroes Are Warriors" program, reflecting the school's belief in the unique gifts and abilities of all students. At McGill University, he serves as a course lecturer and field supervisor.

ADVISOR

Born and raised in the traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy (commonly known as Treaty 7), Carlin Black Rabbit is an Indigenous leader from Siksika Nation. Currently serving his 3rd term as an elected minor chief in his community, Black Rabbit is committed to ensuring the best quality of life for his community by working closely in community outreach, public safety and currently serves as chairperson for the Siksika Board of Education. Through his experience and work through cultural-based learning, Black Rabbit offers a unique leadership perspective through his traditional Blackfoot teachings.

ADVISOR

Jessie Fiddler-Kiss is a member of the Metis Nation of Alberta. Her family comes from the Metis homeland in Treaty 6, in northern Saskatchewan, and is a grateful guest in Treaty 7. Jessie is an Indigenous and anti-racist consultant and is a 2022, top 40 under 40 recipient for founding the Moss Bag Project. She is a retired Olympic Oval athlete and University of Saskatchewan Husky hockey alumni. She is currently completing her M.Ed, anti-racist thesis route, and she loves the land, her children, mountain biking and beadwork.

ADVISOR

Preston is the Indigenous Education and Learning Leader at a school in Calgary. Preston is a phenomenal mentor who finds a way to genuinely connect with and inspire the students he works with. He is passionate about teaching the Indigenous ways and practices to his students and weaves it through everything he does.

ADVISOR

Jonathan Kaiswatum, nēhiyawēwin (Treaty 4) and niitsitapi (Treaty 7), is rooted in his language and culture. Indigenous worldviews of leadership have significantly influenced his ideology as an educator. He obtained both his Bachelor of Education (2012) and Master of Education (2019) from the University of Saskatchewan and is currently the Director of Education for the Tsuut’ina Education Department. Jonathan is dedicated to bringing reconciliation education and resources to the classroom, aiming to create learning environments that foster an understanding of Indigenous perspectives.