Indigenous peoples have unique and rigorous education practices that align with each Nations’ specific worldview. Mainstream educational systems often leave out these teachings and approaches to learning. Join the Office of Academic Indigenization and our panel of experts as we explore the uniqueness of Indigenous Education and how we can bring more of this into our educational journeys and lives.

Panelists:

• Tori McMillan

Tori is a member of Berens River First Nation, an Anishinaabe community located in Treaty 5 in Manitoba. For most of his life he has lived and worked in Calgary, located in Treaty 7 territory.

Since 2010, he has led the Indigenous University Bridging Program at Mount Royal University – this program provides access to post-secondary for Indigenous learners, many of whom are the first from their families to attend university. His role is to support and encourage them as they transition from upgrading into degree programs.

• Jessie Fiddler-Kiss

Jessie Fiddler- Kiss is Métis, a member of MNA, and her Fiddler family comes from the Batoche settlement in Northern Saskatchewan. She is an independent  consultant, and Executive Director and interim President of The Moss Bag Project- a non-profit whose mission it is to create sustainable and reciprocal structures of support by focusing on the health of Indigenous families and children.

Currently attending Graduate studies, Jessie is an advocate for decolonizing education and maternal health for all of our futures. She is passionate about reclamation, the sharing of Indigenous narratives, children and academics, and the land and its truths. 


• Crystal Manyfingers

Crystal Manyfingers is a Blackfoot member of the Kainai First Nation of Treaty 7 in southern Alberta. Crystal is an author, a TedX speaker and, most importantly, a bridge-builder between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups here in the City of Calgary.  Crystal Manyfingers the Indigenous Consultant to Curriculum at Bow Valley College with a Master’s Degree specializing in Adult and Workplace  Learning.

• Michael Broadfoot

Michael Daniel Broadfoot is a Métis, Two-Spirit, graduate of Mount Royal University. In Treaty 7 he was given the name Apiskonakii translating to Far Shooter or Shoots Far by Elder Miksika'am of the Siksika Nation and has been adopted by Elder Betty Crazy Boy of the Piikani Nation. Michael believes in self expression and self care, and is currently working on applying to graduate and medical school. It took Michael seven years to graduate and with the support of the Iniskim community, now has a bachelor of science in Health Science with a minor in Indigenous Studies. Michael is a Hip Hop Emcee and goes by MC GoodMedicine because he believes in words being good medicine.