Heather Poitras
Edmonton,AB
Summary
Cree-Sioux-Métis Elder Heather Poitras, Standing White Buffalo Girl
is a member of Sawridge First Nation, who grew up near Kehewin Cree Nation.
Proud of her First Nation and Métis culture, Elder Heather has dedicated her career to Indigenous awareness and culture, to ensure Indigenous people are included in every aspect of society. Her education and life experiences have created who she is today and as she continues to grow and learn through ceremony she provides support to others through one-on-one, through prayers, ceremonies, teachings, mentoring, and cultural support.
Elder Heather is holistic in what she does and always sees the bigger picture, her legacy is based on her unwavering faith in the Creator inspiring her to make a better future for all of mankind.
Her dedication and resiliency is evident in all that she does, she explains “this is not just my job, it is my life … it is who I am.” and today she is especially grateful to be able to help raise her granddaughter Carmella … the love of her life.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Elected Elders Commissioner
Sawridge First Nation
03.2023 - Current
- Provide guidance, insight and advice to the Council and community members
- Help open and close meetings with prayers.
- Facilitate communication between citizens and elected officials.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
Strategic Planning Officer/Elder
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), Alberta Region
01.2021 - Current
- Elder, Spiritual Lodge Keeper, Elder-In-Residence
- Chairperson for National Indigenous Peoples Day
- Manage projects within the Indigenous Cultural Centre
- Provide support for TRC #57 events
- Manage Indigenous awareness initiatives: Indigenous Awareness Week, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, orientation, training for new employees and students
- Provide guidance and support to executive, and more.
Elder-In-Residence
National Elder Council – Circle of Nations Centre
Ottawa, Ontario
07.2019 - Current
- Provide Indigenous cultural guidance, direction, and support to the department in their efforts to further enhance reconciliation
- Support the design, establishment, and implement the plan for the We Walk Together Forward - Indigenous Learning Centre in Edmonton, Alberta
- Offer ceremonies, teachings, and guidance for various regional and national initiatives.
Elders-In-Residence Program
ISC, HQ-Ottawa
01.2018 - 07.2022
- A vision I had over 26 years ago with the establishment of the ICC, was an Elders-In-Residence Program.
- In response to providing continued support to our federal employees during Covid-19, we were grateful to have Elders, which included a 2 Spirit Elder, to offer virtual ceremonies, teachings and provide one-on-one support to federal employees.
- They are still involved with ISC’s transformation process.
Communications Officer IS-03 Level
ISC, Alberta Region
01.2003 - 06.2021
- Chairperson for National Aboriginal Day
- Manage projects within the ICC
- Provide support for TRC #57 events
- Developed and implemented communication strategies to ensure effective internal and external communications.
- Organized and coordinated press conferences, events and interviews.
- Ensured accuracy of content published through multiple platforms.
- Researched, wrote, edited and distributed press releases, media advisories, newsletters, speeches and other content for various audiences.
Manager Aboriginal Cultural Centre (ACC)/National Aboriginal Day Chairperson
Alberta Federal Council
01.2000 - 12.2002
- Developed an Elder’s Advisory Council to work in partnership with a federal interdepartmental committee to establish an ACC in Canada Place, Edmonton
- Planned and prepared for cultural ceremonies with direction from the Elders
- Maintained the responsibility as chairperson for National Aboriginal Day.
Spiritual Lodge Keeper
Four Places Where People Sit United – Indigenous Cultural Centre (ICC)
Edmonton, Alberta
01.2002
- Planned, designed, and implemented Indigenous awareness training for federal employees, which during Covid it expanded to a national level
- Provided one-on-one support to federal employees
- Provided support to ICC bookings, which included: welcoming, opening prayer and smudge, teachings, as well as catering, and connections to the Indigenous community
- Hosted quarterly pipe ceremonies to cleanse the space and protect it, as directed by the original Elders Advisory Council
- Hosted quarterly Indigenous craft sales out in the main atrium at Canada Place
- Provided guidance and direction to executive and employees for various projects pertaining to Indigenous Peoples
- Worked directly with Elders and cultural services providers.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Native Studies
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB05-1997
Bachelor of Education - Social Sciences
Concordia University College of Alberta
Edmonton, ABSkills
- 30 years providing Indigenous Awareness training to all levels of government, Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations and peoples
- 28 yr Federal career, specializing in Indigenous community related communications, and events and engagement
- Cultural spiritual guide
- Recognized national community leader, with a long history of serving as a leader in different capacities throughout my life
- Girls’ Sports Convenor for four years in junior and senior high
- An active member of the Student’s Union at Elk Point, Concordia College, Blue Quills College and at the University of Alberta
Extracurricular Activities
I strive to find balance in the four aspects of the medicine wheel: emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. As an athlete I currently play recreational slo-pitch (female MVP). I have also:
- Coached women’s, girl’s, both Sr. and Jr., volleyball teams.
- North-eastern Juvenile volleyball team Captain for two years.
- Received Concordia College Women’s volleyball team special award
- Made University of Alberta Volleyball team acceptance, but due to family situation not able to commit.
- Blue Quills High School Womans volleyball team coordinator
Hobbies and Interests
I gain strength through my belief in the Creator and my faith in a better future for all of mankind. After losing three of my children, I cherish my two of adult daughters, Anastasia and Tamara. Together we strive to give my grand-daughter Carmella a positive environment filled with love and confidence. I remain active within the Indigenous community and volunteer whenever I can. As a Sawridge First Nation member, I am a recognized Elder. I am dedicated to helping at a women’s shelter and doing what I can to help our unhoused Indigenous peoples. I enjoy attending ceremonies, arts and crafts, painting, cooking, sewing, beading, computers, woodwork and much more.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Elected Elders Commissioner
Sawridge First Nation
03.2023 - Current
Strategic Planning Officer/Elder
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), Alberta Region
01.2021 - Current
Elder-In-Residence
National Elder Council – Circle of Nations Centre
07.2019 - Current
Elders-In-Residence Program
ISC, HQ-Ottawa
01.2018 - 07.2022
Communications Officer IS-03 Level
ISC, Alberta Region
01.2003 - 06.2021
Spiritual Lodge Keeper
Four Places Where People Sit United – Indigenous Cultural Centre (ICC)
01.2002
Manager Aboriginal Cultural Centre (ACC)/National Aboriginal Day Chairperson
Alberta Federal Council
01.2000 - 12.2002
Bachelor of Arts - Native Studies
University of Alberta
Bachelor of Education - Social Sciences
Concordia University College of Alberta
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