Keynote Panel: Lessons from the Lodge, the Land and Grandmother Moon

Keynote Panel Description:

In this panel, three Indigenous teacher educators will explore the possibilities that emerge when Indigenous wisdom traditions are embraced in educational settings. Guided by their learning under the mentorship of kehteya Bob Cardinal and Dr. Dwayne Donald at the University of Alberta, they will share their personal and interconnected experiences in the course. With an emphasis on place-based learning, they will discuss the importance of fostering ethical relationships with community, the land, and all of creation. This session invites all educators, administrators, and individuals involved in the educational landscape to consider how Indigenous wisdom traditions can enrich our teaching, learning, and living. 

Etienna Moostoos-Lafferty Bio

Etienna Moostoos-Lafferty was born and raised in Grande Prairie, Alberta, and her family originates from Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation in Treaty 8 territory. As a certified teacher, Etienna has experience teaching and leading in First Nations community schools and provincial educational systems. She holds a Master's degree in Secondary Education from the University of Alberta, where she produced a thesis entitled "Pihtikwe: Exploring Withness in Teacher Preparedness and Professional Development." Currently pursuing her PhD, Etienna is currently exploring topics of Treaty Relationships, Ethical Relationality, Indigenous Knowledges, and Place and Land-Based Education. Etienna also works as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Services and Early Learning at MacEwan University. 

Karen West Bio

Karen West is a First Nations educator originating from Whitecourt, Alberta. Her maternal family connects her to the Sucker Creek First Nation, and her paternal family settled in Alberta after migrating westward during the Railroad expansion. Her extensive background in science education has enabled her to collaborate with students and instructors across K-12 and post-secondary levels. Karen has also made significant contributions as a curriculum consultant at both the Provincial and Divisional levels. Driven by these experiences, she is passionate about examining the effects of colonialism on education and is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Alberta. Karen leverages her family's narratives to understand the past and strive for healing and balance in the present.

Megan Tipler Bio 

Megan Tipler is a Métis teacher from amiskwaciy with a diverse teaching background working alongside junior high, senior high, and post-secondary students in urban and rural settings. She returned to the University of Alberta in 2021 to work with the Aboriginal Teacher Education Program, supporting Indigenous pre-service teachers. In 2023, she shifted to working as an Indigenous Strategies Manager in the Provost’s Office. Megan has recently accepted a new role as Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Position, at the University of Northern British Columbia. In addition to her professional endeavours, she is pursuing a PhD focusing on the role of nêhiyaw and Métis 'academic aunties' in education, drawing inspiration from her personal experiences as the oldest sister to four siblings and aunt to six nieces and nephews.