Thank you for your interest in the Indigenous Education Council. Below you can read the bios and information of council members dedicated to the improvement of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit education in Alberta.
Elder Advisor
Philip Campiou | Elder Advisor
Phillip Campiou is a Traditional Woodland Cree who is originally from Driftpile Cree Nation, Alberta. He now resides in the Onoway area. As a young man, his father taught Phillip how to be self-sufficient and live off the land. Inherent in these teachings was an unwavering respect for Mother Earth and the spirituality held by all Her inhabitants. As an adult, Phillip has devoted his life to sharing his knowledge of traditional values and lifestyle. He is often contracted to do numerous presentations in Edmonton and surrounding areas. He is invited to help host many traditional and community events across Canada. Phillip is actively involved in teaching holistic approaches to health and healing.
Elder Phillip works with many school divisions and organizations across the province to share his knowledge and to encourage healthy relationships with all people.
Executive Council
Glenda Viney | President
Email: yourfriendglenda@gmail.com
Glenda was born in Treaty 7 territory and grew up in Treaty 6 territory. She is a mother to two young adults -Austin & Abigail! Currently she is teaching with Edmonton Public Schools at LY Cairns School. Her thirty year journey in the field of education as a teacher, public servant and consultant has been filled with enriching experiences and amazing people. Glenda is passionate about being an ally, sharing resources with educators, reconciliation and learning something new every day. She understands and wholeheartedly accepts her responsibility as a treaty person.
Glenda Viney | President
Email: yourfriendglenda@gmail.com
Glenda was born in Treaty 7 territory and grew up in Treaty 6 territory. She is a mother to two young adults -Austin & Abigail! Currently she is teaching with Edmonton Public Schools at LY Cairns School. Her thirty year journey in the field of education as a teacher, public servant and consultant has been filled with enriching experiences and amazing people. Glenda is passionate about being an ally, sharing resources with educators, reconciliation and learning something new every day. She understands and wholeheartedly accepts her responsibility as a treaty person.
Laura Tapson | Past President
Email: lauratapson@gpcsd.ca
Originally from Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement, Laura now resides in Grande Prairie, AB. She is the Supervisor of Religious Education and First Nation, Metis, and Inuit Education for the Grande Prairie Public School Division.
Omarla Cooke | Secretary
Email: omarlacooke@gmail.com
Email: omarlacooke@gmail.com
Hayley Christen | Treasurer
Email: hayley.christen@rdpsd.ab.ca
Hayley Christen is a Coordinator for First Nation, Métis and Inuit Learning Services with Red Deer Public School District. She has a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Counselling. Her current passion is in the area of Instructional Leadership and supporting learning of First Nation, Métis and Inuit students in Alberta. She is excited to be an executive member of the Indigenous Education Council and work with many other professional colleagues with the same passion for Indigenous education.
Shelagh McCracken | Communications Manager
Email: fnmiec@gmail.com
Shelagh is a settler who grew up in a small town in Northern BC where bears roam, salmon spawn and life remains pretty simple. This land was originally the land of Lake Babine Nation. Shelagh teaches Health and PE in Mohkinstis (Calgary) and lives and plays in Okatok (Okotoks). Currently she LOVES to play pickleball as well as bike, ski and play golf.
Shelagh recently joined the Indigenous Education Council (IEC) as the Communications Manager. Shelagh has opened an Instagram account for the Council which is attached to the IEC Facebook page. She mostly uses Twitter to tweet and retweet interesting and relevant information about Indigenous Education. Shelagh has learned a ton from the IEC's Executive members and special guests and looks forward to learning and sharing much more. Please follow the Indigenous Education Council on Twitter and Instagram @ATA_IEC or on Facebook at Indigenous Education Council.
Donna Franz| Southern Representative
Email: dfranz@capeisgreat.org
Donna was born in Squamish, BC and raised to believe every story matters. She has a diploma in Social Work and earned my B.Ed. in March 2020. Donna teaches grade 3 at CAPE Charter School in Medicine Hat, where she has lived since 1977. Donna is a passionate ally and second year member of her school’s Indigenous Education team where they strive to support fellow teachers to seamlessly include Indigenous education into all lessons. Belonging is a basic human need and Donna aims to ensure all people around her have this need met. She is passionate about learning and sharing knowledge about all things human. Donna is married to Brian, and they have two children, Dakoda, 27 and Izahbella, 13. She enjoys family, camping, reading (anything), word games, puzzles, and sewing. Donna looks forward to supporting the council in any way she can and learning as much as she can to pass along more Indigenous knowledge to students, fellow teachers and anyone else who has ears!
Natalie Bear | Central Rep
hnbearfam@gmail.com
Natalie Bear is a Nehiyaw Iskwew (Cree woman) from Bigstone Cree Nation in northern Alberta. She began her career teaching at Oski Pasikoniwew Kamik School and is currently employed with STAR Catholic School Division. Natalie is a Phys.Ed/Learning Support teacher at Sacred Heart School in Wetaskiwin. She also works to support First Nations, Metis and Inuit learners in her school as well as furthering Indigenous education within her division by working to make connections, build relationships and provide support for teachers. She graduated from the University of Alberta in 2004 and is currently working toward her M.Ed. in Indigenous Education with the University of Calgary. She looks forward to being a member of the council as the Central Rep and hopes to be able to support educators and build capacity for First, Nations, Metis and Inuit learners in our province.
Helen Garvin | Conference Director
Email: helen.garvin@tcef.ca
Mya Young | Northern Rep
Email: my1862@fmcsd.ab.ca
Mya Penney is originally from Stephenville, NF, and is currently a teacher on Treaty 8 territory. She has completed her M.Ed in Curriculum and Learning Studies with a focus on Indigenous and Place-Based Education. She works with grade two students in Fort McMurray Catholic Schools and is passionate about supporting learning for First Nation, Inuit, and Metis students, as well as working towards decolonizing the curriculum for all children. Mya loves spending time out on the land, especially kayaking on the waters around Fort McMurray.
Email: my1862@fmcsd.ab.ca
Mya Penney is originally from Stephenville, NF, and is currently a teacher on Treaty 8 territory. She has completed her M.Ed in Curriculum and Learning Studies with a focus on Indigenous and Place-Based Education. She works with grade two students in Fort McMurray Catholic Schools and is passionate about supporting learning for First Nation, Inuit, and Metis students, as well as working towards decolonizing the curriculum for all children. Mya loves spending time out on the land, especially kayaking on the waters around Fort McMurray.
ATA Staff
Melissa Purcell | ATA Staff Officer
Email: melissa.purcell@ata.ab.ca
Melissa Purcell is Dene from Smith's Landing First Nation. She is an Executive Staff Officer, Professional Development, Indigenous Education with the Alberta Teachers’ Association and is the team lead for the Walking Together: Education for Reconciliation project. She is passionate and committed to building capacity in Indigenous education, culture and language and is always excited to share her learnings with others.
Karen Nakaska | ATA Provincial Executive Rep
Email: karen.nakaska@ata.ab.ca
Email: karen.nakaska@ata.ab.ca