Oki. I am a member of the Piikani Nation, located in Treaty 7 Territory in Southern Alberta.
It is my pleasure to join NIAB. I completed my Master of Social Work in the field of Indigenous Trauma and Resilience with the University of Toronto. My experience and education are in the field of Social Work, incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing into my practice in addiction, mental health, social supports and advocacy.

My passion is to encourage and support others to continue higher learning and to work towards achieving their goals. I am looking forward to this new journey with NIAB as the Coordinator, Social Work Education Circle.

Greetings. It has been my pleasure over the past four years to have provided research services on multiple projects of the National Indigenous Accreditation Board. Collaborating with the dedicated people associated with this key Indigenous organization has provided me with the opportunity not only to make contributions to the assertion of Indigenous sovereignty in the field of post-secondary education but also to continue on a personal path of lifelong learning from and within Indigenous communities. I have been a member of Sawridge First Nation (Treaty Eight) since 1981 and currently reside within Treaty Six Territory near Maskwacîs.

Michelle V. Huggins is a Doctor in Research in Social Sciences (major: Sociology) with post-doctoral training in Cultural Anthropology. A remote faculty of Algoma University, her career focus revolves around the decolonization of higher education. A firm believer in life-long learning and a grateful inhabitant of Treaty 7 territory, Michelle looks forward to being of service to NIAB due to the organization’s commitment to validating Indigenous-led education in a manner true to Indigenous ways of life.

Tanisi – sending you a message of appreciation for your interest in learning more about the NIAB community. I’m a member of the Samson Cree Nation, which is one of the four Cree communities that surround Maskwacîs. The late Harriet Crier and the late Roderick Lightning were my parents and I am fortunate to be the mother of an inspirational daughter. My learning experiences have included time spent as an elementary teacher, guidance counsellor and instructor within Indigenous colleges and universities. Knowledge Keepers and each member of the NIAB community provide me with regular opportunities to experience the uplifting energies gifted to us through our ceremonies, languages, and knowledge systems.