Akaakskimaki-Many Metals Women, Annabelle Chatsis

As a member of Kainai, Annabelle has dedicated herself to supporting and advocating Blackfoot Language in Academic Institution in Alberta and Montana. Her passion to ensure that the Blackfoot Language stays strong and ongoing has been instrumental in her life journey. Believing that the language is a vital component to Blackfoot vitality.

Since living in Montana in early 2000, Annabelle received her B.A. from the University of Montana and taught Blackfoot Language at the U of M for a few years. She then received her Master of Social Work from the University of Washington.

Annabelle returned home in 2014 and continued her career in social work for several years until she retired from Social Work and pursued her passion, Blackfoot language.

In 2024 Annabelle accepted a position with the University of Lethbridge as the Blackfoot language immersion coordinator where she established student events and activities with Blackfoot speakers, giving students an opportunity to enhance their Blackfoot language. She is also instrumental in coordinating the A’tsimaani Blackfoot language immersion summer camp course.