RENÉ Michael Ross MCCARTHY,B.A, M.Ed.
Maskwacis,AB
Summary
A motivated and proactive professional equipped with an extensive educational background in Indigenous Peoples Education, eager to contribute to an organization that values employee growth, learning, and impactful service. This expertise includes a deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, and educational methodologies, making a valuable asset to teams focused on inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Addictions Counsellor
Nayoskan Treatment Centre
01.2024 - Current
- Lead the design and delivery of addiction recovery programs, blending cultural practices with contemporary counseling.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Alberta
09.2023 - 12.2023
- Marked assignments for two classes in NS 110: Historical Perspectives in Indigenous Studies.
- Checked assignments, proctored tests and provided grades according to university standards.
- Provided timely and constructive feedback on assignments, enabling students to refine their work and achieve higher grades.
Event Coordinator
Ermineskin Tribal Enterprises
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Coordinated a National Summit on the NRTA of 1930 in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada.
- Managing a planned budget of $250,000
- Worked with multiple stakeholders.
- Helped raise more than $100,000 from donations and sales.
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
- Adapted quickly when faced with unexpected challenges or changes in plans, maintaining composure while finding effective solutions.
- Coordinated with vendors to deliver exceptional catering and audiovisual services during events.
- Conducted post-event analysis, identifying areas of improvement for future events.
Youth Camp Facilitator/Counselor
Young Spirit Winds
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Designed and facilitated a youth camp focusing on leadership and personal development.
- Increased participant engagement by incorporating interactive activities and group discussions into sessions.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Alberta
09.2020 - 04.2021
- Recorded video content on land-based learning and participated in class sessions regarding treaties in Canada.
Political Analyst
Ermineskin Tribal Enterprises
03.2019 - 09.2020
- Analyzed and reported on federal and provincial legislations, policies, and laws impacting Treaty Six and the Ermineskin First Nation.
- Conducted qualitative and quantitative analysis of political developments, supporting effective policymaking strategies.
- Tracked legislative changes at federal, state, and local levels to assess potential impacts on clients'' interests.
- Developed comprehensive reports for policymakers, resulting in more informed decision-making processes.
- Drafted articles, letters, reports and technical documents on policy and public affairs issues for publication.
Outreach Coordinator
Young Spirit Winds
09.2018 - 09.2019
- Filled in for an employee for one year who had left for maternity; during this time, I learned many things, but overall, I transported youth, facilitated drug and alcohol healing programs, represented the organization at four-band meetings, and prepared and delivered reports and PowerPoint presentations.
Youth Transport Driver
Young Spirit Winds
05.2016 - 09.2018
- Worked with Young Spirit Winds seasonally when I was out of school for the term
- Working with YSW, I ensured the safe and timely transportation of the youth in the program.
Mechanic/Truck Driver
Ermineskin Tribal Enterprises, Public Works
01.2013 - 12.2015
- Worked with Ermineskin Public Works seasonally when I was out of school
- During my time here, I did many tasks, including repairing vehicles, hauling heavy equipment to and from worksites, and assisting in construction projects.
Truck Driver/Labourer
Frog Lake Oilfield Services
01.2012 - 01.2012
- I operated vacuum trucks and participated in oil tank cleaning operations.
- Safely operated heavy equipment during loading and unloading processes, preventing accidents and damage to goods.
Volunteer Firefighter
Louis Bull Tribe
01.2009 - 01.2009
- Assisted with wildfires in the community of Maskwacis.
Welder/Labourer
Northern Pipe
01.2008 - 01.2008
- Assisted journeyman welders with welding projects throughout Wetaskiwin and the area.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Construction Labourer
Contract
01.2007 - 01.2007
- Performed duties as a lead slasher, cutting paths in the forest in preparation for seismic blasting.
Construction Labourer
Frog Lake Construction
03.2006 - 10.2006
- Performed the duties of a slasher and constructed clean and safe paths through the forest within Frog Lake in preparation for seismic blasting.
- Solved complex construction challenges through innovative problem-solving approaches and technical expertise.
Apprentice Carpenter
Frog Lake First Nation Housing Department
01.2006 - 01.2006
- Assisted Journeyman with Painting, Drywall, and Flooring.
- Assisted with movement of materials and equipment to job sites.
- Developed strong carpentry skills through hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced mentors.
- Kept job site cleaned up properly and all debris disposed of in respective containers.
Housekeeper
New Imperial Inn
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Cleaned and tidied rooms, including vacuuming, dusting, and mopping.
- Maximized efficiency of housekeeping operations through effective communication with team members and supervisors.
- Collaborated with other housekeeping staff to complete tasks efficiently and effectively.
Rock Picker
Farmer
05.2002 - 06.2002
- Removed rocks from farmers' land.
- Worked fast to meet the assigned daily picking quotas.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Indigenous Peoples Education
University of Alberta
Alberta, CA03.2026
Master of Education - Indigenous Peoples Education
University of Alberta
Alberta, CA01.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Native Studies/Sociology
University of Alberta
01.2016
Skills
- Academic focus on native sociological, educational, and political issues in Canada
- Well-versed on colonialism, intergenerational trauma, and Indigenous-settler history
- Specific knowledge of Treaty-Six governance and Aboriginal law
- Proficient in Indigenous Research & Methodology
- Effective leadership and negotiation strategies
- Proficiency in digital technologies
- Business startup, management, and marketing acumen
- Class 1 driver's license
- Heavy Equipment Operation
- Writing Skills
- Mentoring
- Teaching
- Strategic Planning
- Tutoring
- Project Management
- Data Analysis
- Classroom Management
- Curriculum Development
- Event Planning
- Public Speaking
- Recruiting
- Administrative Experience
- Management
- Addiction Counseling
- Individual / Group Counseling
- Crisis Intervention
- Presentation Skills
- Computer Networking
- Project Planning
- Fundraising
- Problem-Solving
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Friendly, Positive Attitude
Certification
- Class 1 Drivers License, Present
- Intermediate Inherent Right to Indigenous Governance, May 2023 to Present
- Intermediate Indigenous Business and Economic Development, June 2022 to Present
- Pilot certificate: Small Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), Visual line-of-sight (VLOS), May 2021 to May 2021
- Indigenous Strategic Planning, May 2018 to Present
- Project Management for Indigenous Organizations, June 2018 to Present
- Good Governance for Indigenous Councils and Boards, December 2016 to Present
- Aboriginal Governance and Partnership, University of Alberta, April 2016 to Present
- Renewable Energy, The Path to Energy Independence, June 2009 to Present
- Type 1 Wildfire Crew Member: Firetack, April 2007 to May 2007
Languages
English
Full Professional
Neheyaw
Limited Working
Awards
- Indspire Award, March 2024
- Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship Indigenous, January 2024
- Indspire Award- Wawanesa Insurance, February 2023
- Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship Indigenous, November 2023
- Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship Indigenous, November 2022
- Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship Indigenous, November 2021
- University of Alberta Doctoral Recruitment Scholarship, September 2020
- Indigenous Graduate Award, November 2017
- Indigenous Graduate Award, November 2016
Timeline
Addictions Counsellor
Nayoskan Treatment Centre
01.2024 - Current
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Alberta
09.2023 - 12.2023
Event Coordinator
Ermineskin Tribal Enterprises
05.2023 - 08.2023
Youth Camp Facilitator/Counselor
Young Spirit Winds
06.2022 - 08.2022
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Alberta
09.2020 - 04.2021
Political Analyst
Ermineskin Tribal Enterprises
03.2019 - 09.2020
Outreach Coordinator
Young Spirit Winds
09.2018 - 09.2019
Youth Transport Driver
Young Spirit Winds
05.2016 - 09.2018
Mechanic/Truck Driver
Ermineskin Tribal Enterprises, Public Works
01.2013 - 12.2015
Truck Driver/Labourer
Frog Lake Oilfield Services
01.2012 - 01.2012
Volunteer Firefighter
Louis Bull Tribe
01.2009 - 01.2009
Welder/Labourer
Northern Pipe
01.2008 - 01.2008
Construction Labourer
Contract
01.2007 - 01.2007
Construction Labourer
Frog Lake Construction
03.2006 - 10.2006
Apprentice Carpenter
Frog Lake First Nation Housing Department
01.2006 - 01.2006
Housekeeper
New Imperial Inn
01.2005 - 01.2006
Rock Picker
Farmer
05.2002 - 06.2002
Doctor of Philosophy - Indigenous Peoples Education
University of Alberta
Master of Education - Indigenous Peoples Education
University of Alberta
Bachelor of Arts - Native Studies/Sociology
University of Alberta
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