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.
Ghostkeeper, Elmer
Dr. Ghostkeeper is an Elder and Council member of the Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement, and the President of Weche Teachings, an organization dedicated to fostering a meaningful partnership between Indigenous wisdom and the Western scientific method. This concept, called Wisescience, is used to understand and solve modern day challenges facing Indigenous people. A Spiritualist, father, grandfather, teacher, student, philosopher and entrepreneur, his view is that every day is a gift that teaches him something about life and who he is.
Dr. Ghostkeeper speaks fluent Michif, the language of Métis people. He received an honourary doctorate degree from the University of Alberta in 2022 recognizing his 50 years of service as a politician, community leader, business person, knowledge keeper and scholar to promote the rights of Métis peoples in Canada and to build relationships across Indigenous and non-Indigenous worldviews. His many accomplishments include serving as president of the Alberta Federation of Métis Settlements Associations, advocating for inclusion of Métis peoples among the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada in the Canadian Constitution.
Little Bear, Leroy
Dr. Little Bear was born and raised on the Blood Indian Reserve (Kainai First Nation), approximately 70 kilometres west of Lethbridge. Dr. Little Bear was one of the first Indigenous students to complete a program of study at the University of Lethbridge, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1971. He continued his education at the College of Law, University of Utah, in Salt Lake City, completing a Juris Doctor Degree in 1975.
Following his graduation, Dr. Little Bear returned to his alma mater as a founding member of Canada’s first Native American Studies Department at the University of Lethbridge. He remained a researcher, faculty member and department chair until his official retirement in 1997. From January 1998 to June 1999, he served as Director of the Harvard University Native American Program. Upon his return to Canada, he was instrumental in the creation of a Bachelor of Management in First Nations Governance at the University of Lethbridge - the only program of its kind in the country. He now serves as Special Advisor to the President and Professor Emeritus, remaining as a dedicated and dynamic teacher and mentor to students and faculty.
Dr. Little Bear has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Arts and Science from the University of Lethbridge and was named its first Distinguished Niitsitapi Scholar. He has also received an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Northern British Columbia, the 'Key to the City’ of Lethbridge and was inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence. In 2003, Little Bear received a National Aboriginal Achievement Award (now Indspire) for education, the highest honour bestowed by Canada’s First Nations community. In 2018 he was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada. He continues to pursue new research interests including North American Indian science and Western physics, and the exploration of Blackfoot knowledge through songs, stories and landscape.
Crowshoe, Reggie
Dr. Crowshoe is an Elder of the Piikani First Nation in southern Alberta, where he formerly served as Chief. He has a longstanding relationship with the University of Calgary and has generously shared and offered his assistance, ceremonial leadership, and traditional knowledge to students, the Native Centre, and other faculties for many years. Widely recognized for his dedication to Piikani artifacts, traditions, language, culture and history, Dr. Crowshoe was awarded an honorary Doctorate Degree by the University of Calgary in 2001, an honour he shares with his father, the late Joseph Crowshoe.
Dr. Crowshoe is also the founder of the Old Man River Cultural Society, and he authored the book “Akak’stiman, A Blackfoot Framework for Decision-Making and Mediation Processes,” published by University of Calgary Press in 2002.
Littlechild, Willie
Dr. Littlechild has been honoured by being appointed the Honorary Chief for the Maskwacîs Crees and former Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations. He is a respected lawyer and was the first Treaty First Nation person to acquire his law degree from the University of Alberta in 1976. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Physical Education and, in 2007, was bestowed a Doctor of Laws Degree for his outstanding achievements, including his leadership in human rights, contributions to the world of sport, and representation of Indigenous Peoples in the international community. He is a strong advocate for the rights of Indigenous Peoples and promoter of implementation of the treaties between the Indigenous Peoples of Canada and the Crown.
Dr. Littlechild was the first Treaty Indian Member of Parliament and was a parliamentary delegate to the UN. He has also served as commissioner for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, and sits on numerous boards to promote education and physical and mental health to all youth, especially in his community. He has contributed to the Maskwacîs Cultural College as a sessional instructor.
Dr. Littlechild’s commitment to excellence in everything he does is reflected in the vast number of honours he has received during his career. He has been awarded Queen’s Counsel and Indigenous Peoples’ Counsel, the highest honours of the legal profession. He was honoured as Lawyer of the Year (Aboriginal Law) and received the Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. He received the Distinguished Award from the Association of Former Parliamentarians and an Indspire Award for Law and Justice in 2015. He was appointed as a member of the Alberta Order of Excellence in 2014 and was inducted as a Member of the Order of Canada in 1999.
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.