Mia’nistsitsiiksiinaakii, Mary R. Fox

Mary’s Blackfoot name is “Mia’nistsitsiiksiinaakii,” Different Snake Woman. Mary inherited her maternal Blackfoot Great Grandmother’s name and her first language is Blackfoot. Mary was born and raised on the Blood Reserve/Kainai Nation. She is with the Indigenous Studies Department at the University of Lethbridge. Mary, as a First Nations Educator, and First Nations Education Cultural and Language Consultant and Advisor with over 35 years of experience is a dedicated professional who has significantly contributed to the education system. She is also a member of the Blackfoot Stand Up Headdress Women. She has a deep understanding of the cultural and linguistic contexts of Blackfoot language and First Nations communities, which informs her teaching methods and curriculum development. Mary emphasizes language immersion as a core component of educational programs; helping students to understand their cultural identity and heritage. Mary believes that indigenous languages are the heartbeat of their respective cultures and healing sources, and key to the revival of languages to ensure that the next generations transmit them to their future children and grandchildren. Mary is also committed and dedicated to Indigenous health and justice, and Truth and Reconciliation in context with the history of Indian Residential Schools, and the impact of the “Residential School Syndrome,” and building positive relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and communities. This combination of experience, dedication, and advocacy makes her a valuable asset to the education sector.