I lead today with an ability to adapt to culturally diverse environments and navigate through complexities and challenges.
For 21 years, I worked for the RCMP in Finance and Operations. I also volunteered for several non-profit Indigenous organizations and continue to serve as an executive board member for the Indigenous Congress of Alberta Association. My focus of interest is on Indigenous language revitalization, specifically Dëne Sųłiné yati, my maternal ancestral language. Working within non-profits enhanced my desire to address vital issues around the language, culture, health and well-being of all Indigenous peoples as a pathway of reconciliation and intergenerational healing.
My desire to join the Master of Arts in Global Leadership program was initiated by my late aunt Sandra Faye Lockhart, a global leader whose inspiration and encouragement pushed me forward to succeed and rely on the teachings that were held in my heart; on this educational journey. My personal path of reconnection to my Indigeneity was embedded in a global and collective perspective of Indigenous peoples. The program framework of understanding complex global systems and supporting the development of global leadership with empathy, versatility, and adaptability and global system’s thinking approach supported my pathway to support community lead Dëne Sųłiné yati initiatives within Łutsël K'é Dene First Nation.
I am incredibly grateful for my learning journey. I am thankful for the gently guided steps in the learning process, cohort, academic supervisor and faculty. I deeply cherish the work that came from my Capstone Research Project, on Dëne Sųłiné language revitalization, as is supporting strategies for the language to continue to be proudly shared around the fire, with land foods, tea, with our elders, families, children and grandchildren; in honour of the ancestors and all those who speak and were taught. This learning journey moved this vision into motion. I am forever grateful for the teachings I gained in my MA journey, which have enabled hope, inspiration and direction and as a current Royal Roads University Doctor of Social Sciences student, this journey proudly continues.
I lead today with cross-cultural awareness, with an ability to adapt to culturally diverse environments and navigate through complexities and challenges, with self-awareness, humility, patience and inclusivity while being grounded and respecting collaborations and partnerships through effective communication, trust and compassion. While continuing to honour and respects Indigenous leadership teachings, our elders, the knowledge keepers, culture, land, language, tradition and ancestral teachings.
Marsi cho. (Thank you).