Kyla Lindsay

Tansi! My name is Kyla Lindsay, I am a member of the Onion Lake Cree Nation on Treaty 6 territory and I come from a mixed heritage of Plains Cree and European descent. I have lived on the prairies close to our community for most of my life, however, I am currently residing in Edmonton, Alberta and completing an Undergraduate degree in Native Studies with a minor in English, along with the Certificate of Indigenous Governance and Partnership. I have also worked as a research assistant for the Relational Governance Project at the University of Alberta. I am passionate about my studies and have learned immense amounts of knowledge while also getting to connect more deeply with my culture. I also enjoy cooking, being outdoors, creating art and spending quality time with family and friends. I am extremely grateful to join the IPHCPR Network and am enthusiastic for the opportunity to contribute to research that fosters and benefits Indigenous communities.

Savannah Summers

Savannah Summers is a member of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation. She is originally from Calgary, Alberta but now resides in Kingston, Ontario where she is a second-year student doing a joint-honours degree in Political Science and Psychology at Queen’s University. Savannah is interested in people, culture and their interactions with the environment. Eventually, she hopes to pursue a career in law where she is considering specializing in environmental, human rights, or Indigenous law. Moreover, Savannah is passionate about advocacy on behalf of Indigenous people with regards to furthering research into the devastating results of residential schools. This includes the loss of culture and language and the resulting ongoing mental health and addiction crises among Indigenous communities. Savannah will assist in this research process with her work on data governance for Indigenous peoples this summer.

Katie Zoobkoff

Hello! My name is Katie Zoobkoff and I'm a first year student majoring in Psychology at the University of Calgary. I hope to go into adolescent psychology/counselling as I've always held a deep interest for human behaviour and helping people overcome issues. I come from the Haida Gwaii in British Columbia but I never got much of an opportunity to learn my culture until recently. For the last 3 years I have had opportunities to work and volunteer with organizations that aided Indigenous communities through events and spreading awareness of key issues, something that has grown to be one of my biggest passions. I want to use my knowledge and education in Indigenous healing methods to help others so I'm able to provide youth with a perspective that's more familiar within my community.

Tamara Blesse

Tansi! My name is Tamara Blesse. I am from the Little Red River Cree Nation, which is located in Treaty 8 territory. I am Woodland Cree. For my education, I presently live in Edmonton. I am a fourth-year University of Alberta student. I am a Native Studies major with a minor in Film Studies. I am passionate about my culture and traditional knowledge and often integrate it into my academics. While I devote my time to school, I also participate in my cultural traditions, going to ceremonies, reading, creating art or spending time with my family and friends. I have a deep love for my culture and people, and I would like to contribute to preserving my culture and giving back to my community when I complete my degree. I envision myself taking the knowledge I've gained from my education and making my community better and the future generations of all First Nations. Through my experience, I aim to inspire other Indigenous youth to follow their aspirations and further their education.

Syndey Moore

Tanshi! My name is Sydney, and I am currently completing my undergraduate degree in Philosophy. I am working toward a career in medical ethics and hope to provide support for indigenous communities. I have previously worked as a summer student for the Indigenous Health Program at the Cumming School of Medicine. My family is originally from Treaty 1 however, I am a recognized member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, with direct relation to Louis Riel and André Nault. In my free time, I enjoy cycling, skiing, hiking, music, and I am artistic! I am truly honoured to be a part of the IPHCPR Network and hope to contribute to research that will promote and advance health care within Indigenous communities. 

Hannah Bouvier
I am currently finishing my Baccalauréate ès arts with a major in French Language and a minor in Native Studies at the University of Alberta. I am from Southeastern Alberta, but my family came from a Métis community in Western Manitoba where a large majority of my family still resides. I have spent the past two summers looking at plant medicines and identity and as I move towards graduate studies, I have begun to look at policy surrounding Métis Wellness.