Indigenous Wisdom Advisory Panel
Spicer, Norma
Elder Norma Spicer has a passion for Métis history, culture and customs developed from hearing stories of her ancestors on her mother’s side. A descendent of Jean Baptiste Lagimodière and Marie Anne Gaboury through their daughter Josepthe and descendent of the Gladu Clan from the Slave Lake Area on her grandfather’s side. Elder Spicer’s family history includes those who fought alongside Louis Riel during the Métis Resistance.
Formerly with the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) in a variety of positions, Elder Spicer remains a member of its Cultural Team and represents the MNA as: Provincial Elder for the Fort Edmonton Indigenous People’s Expansion Project, the Metis Nation Blatchford Community Project, Rupertsland Institute K-12 Curriculum Project, Edmonton International Airport Elders & Knowledge Keepers Circle, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology ICAT Visioning Project, New Edmonton Hospital Indigenous Advisory Council, Alberta Heritage: Red Deer Industrial School Cemetery Preservation & Recognition Project, City of Edmonton Indigenous Framework Panel, City of Edmonton Women and Knowledge Keepers Panel, and Elder Representative of the Métis Ward for CBC Interviews. She is also a Métis Knowledge Keeper for the University of Alberta School of Public Health Grandmothers Wisdom Network Advisory Circle, Arts Habitat Indigenous Voices Circle, and Recover Edmonton Catalyst Group.
Kaquitts, Alice
Elder Kaquitts is a mother, grandmother, Knowledge Keeper, and interpreter/translator of the Îethka (Stoney) Nakoda language from Goodstoney First Nation. She currently holds a Social Work Diploma from Mount Royal University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Calgary.
Elder Kaquitts has worked in a management capacity in her own community for decades, in addition to providing services to children in care. She was involved in the Indian Residential School hearings as an interpreter. She also serves as an Elder advisor for the National Gathering of Elders. Over the years, she has been invited by numerous Elder advisory groups and organizations to share her knowledge and expertise on the Îethka Nakoda perspective. Presently, her work consists of consulting, advising and Indigenous language revitalization as co-host of a radio talk show called Conversational Nakoda and co-author of an Îethka Nakoda dictionary.
Albert, Lorraine
Elder Lorraine Albert was born in Uranium City, Saskatchewan, and resides in Fort McMurray as a member of Mikisew Cree First Nation. As a Dene Elder she holds a profound connection to nature and is often called upon to lead prayers and offer cultural teachings based on the seven sacred teachings and Dene Laws.
Elder Albert serves as a member of many Elder councils including The Fort McMurray Public School Division, acting as an advisor on Indigenous education, history, culture and language programs. She teaches land-based learning survival skills and imparts cultural customs to young women exploring their roots. Motivated by her family, particularly her mother, daughters, and granddaughters, Elder Albert advocates passionately for breaking down misconceptions about Indigenous Peoples and raising awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, men, and two-spirited people. She participates in numerous events by providing input, direction, and prayer with empathy and consideration for all. Her presence is a beacon of inclusivity and understanding.
Corrigan, Lorraine
Elder Lorraine Corrigan is a McMurray Métis Elder and a Cree speaker. She is originally from Lac La Biche region and lived in Fort McMurray for over 50 years. She brings a passion for learning and sharing the Cree language with her experience in teaching and leading community dialogues. Lorraine also serves on the Fort McMurray Public School Division Elder's Council, demonstrating her commitment to work with youth and providing guidance on reconciliation. She maintains connection to her culture through beading and other artwork. She is a mother with three children and nine grandchildren, of which she has raised five. She passes along her experience and knowledge to her family and community, including multiple volunteer roles with Friendship Centres. She is passionate about wildlife and the environment, and loves teaching children skills in harvesting.