Ksikk ini na ki (White Buffalo Woman) Jennifer Russell has dedicated her career to driving systemic change through Truth and Reconciliation. As a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta with Cree and Blackfoot relations, she has made a lifelong personal and professional commitment to advocating for the safety and support of Indigenous women.
Initially joining SAIT's Indigenous student resource centre, Jennifer became the first Indigenous advisor for Indigenous students. She went on to spend time working in the energy industry where she led organizational response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 92, urging Canada’s corporate sector to weave reconciliation framework into policies and operations.
Advocating for the psychological safety and well-being of female Indigenous employees, Jennifer also brokered a partnership with the Native Women’s Association of Canada — the organization involved in the creation of Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and its Calls for Justice.
She returned to SAIT as Director of Indigenous Engagement to lead the strategic direction on Truth and Reconciliation. Under her guidance, SAIT has implemented Indigenous graduation celebrations and introduced the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation course for employees and students. During a traditional Blackfoot Pipe Ceremony in July 2023, SAIT’s Indigenous student resource centre — then called Chinook Lodge — was renamed Natoysopoyiis to better reflect the Treaty 7 Nation people it serves, and Jennifer was made a keeper of the space.
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Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.