Miyo kisikâw / Good day everyone

My name is Jade Tootoosis, and I’m happy & excited to introduce myself as Centre High's new Indigenous (Cultural) Liaison. I am nehiyaw/Plains Cree and Nakota from Red Pheasant Cree Nation in Treaty 6 Territory, and also a proud tribal member of the Rocky Boy Chippewa Cree Nation, just south of the medicine line. Alongside my awesome partner, I am a mama-auntie to three beautiful little buffalo calves, with many more nieces and nephews who keep me grounded. 

My passion centers around justice advocacy for Indigenous peoples & lands, as well as education and cultural connection. In recent years, I’ve had the honour of working with the International Buffalo Relations Institute, supporting the rematriation of our Buffalo relatives, sharing Buffalo consciousness, and upholding the Buffalo Treaty. I led the Impact team on global distribution of the new documentary, Singing Back the Buffalo (which you can now watch on CBC Gem or APTN+). I also do extensive justice advocacy for Indigenous peoples and families, speaking upon about the systemic racism and biases within the canadian judicial systems, including an address at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. 

Beyond my work, I find joy in beading, sewing, fancy shawl dancing, travelling, singing and ceremony—all of which are rooted in the love and strength of my nehiyaw teachings.