My commitment to ethical engagement has been deepened by two year-long, Blackfoot-led graduate programs at the University of Calgary. Through mentorship, ceremony, and reciprocal engagement, I experienced a transformation that moved beyond cognitive learning, fostering a deep sense of humility and relational obligation. As taught by our Kainai program Elder, Ninna Piiksii (Dr. Mike Bruised Head), I now see knowledge and healing reside outside of libraries too: with land, water, rocks, and unseen beings, who require us to sharpen our ability to listen and learn as captured in the Blackfoot command: Ihtsiyit! 

Issapoi´saaám 2024 (, demonstrates me growing into the Blackfoot name – ‘Crow medicine’ I was given by renowned Kainai Elder Minnipoka, so I would
become confident to contribute to the healing in people and land.