Indigenous Advisory Circle

Alicia is a proud Métis, and she traces her ancestry to the historic homelands of Red River, Manitoba, and Pembina, North Dakota. She grew up in Waterloo and did not discover her Métis ancestry until she was a teenager. It has been such a wonderful experience for her, learning about the history of her Great-Grandmother’s family and learning and teaching Métis culture and history to the next generation. Alicia currently works in education and is in the process of achieving her Diploma of Clinical Therapeutic Herbalism, learning the plant wisdom of her ancestors.

Michael has worked in product development and operations for over 25 years as a lead developer or in an operations supporting role. In recent years, he has actively participated in various Indigenous initiatives to promote inclusivity and cultural awareness. Michael has served as the Indigenous advisor to the Dean of Mathematics at the University of Waterloo and as the product evaluation advisor for an Indigenous cultural awareness online course called 4 Seasons of Reconciliation. He continues to participate in the STEM community of practice on Indigenization at the University of Waterloo. Additionally, Michael has served on the board of directors of Anishinaabeg Outreach and is now honoured to be a member of the St. Jerome's University Indigenous Advisory Circle.

Jennifer is Mohawk from the Six Nations Reserve in Brantford. Due to intergenerational trauma, she did not grow up on the reserve. In her current role as Indigenous and Equity Consultant for the Waterloo Catholic District School, she learned more about her Indigenous heritage and began to share it with teachers and students. Jennifer is an avid traveller and enjoys experiencing cultures from around the world.

Tammy is Anishnabe Kwe of the Kitigan Zibi Algonquin First Nation. She is currently seconded as director, Equity for Let's Talk Science and was the previous Indigenous Education & Equity consultant in the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. Tammy deepens understanding in Indigenous ways of knowing and being and leads systemic changes within educational structures. Tammy has her Master of Arts in Education from York University, Bachelor of Education from the University of Western Ontario, Bachelor of Arts in Leisure and Recreation Studies with Business Option from the University of Waterloo, and Bachelor of General Science from the University of Waterloo.

Gary is a member of Curve Lake First Nation, located north of Peterborough on Chemong Lake, and has been involved in many of their functions including helping with annual pow wows and serving on several committees including Governance and Nation Building, Health and Family Services, and Economic Development. He is a member of several Boards and Councils including the Waterloo Region Record's Community Editorial Board; the Canadian Catholic Indigenous Council; Our Lady of Guadaloupe Circle; the Diocese of Hamilton's Indigenous Reconciliation Fund Advisory Committee; and Rotary Cambridge Sunset. Gary currently serves as the Director of Services for Your Support Services Network in York Region, an agency that provides crisis, mental health, and developmental/children's services and supports. In this role, he is part of several community networks and committees that are all dedicated to supporting people with disabilities in their communities.