Traditional Thinkers Advisory Council

The Traditional Thinkers Advisory Council guides Mount Royal to make meaningful, lasting change, and inspire the MRU community to move forward in a good way.

Sincere thanks go to everyone involved in this council. There is much to look forward to in meeting, sitting together, and learning from the wisdom and experience this council holds. The hope is that MRU, through its academic programs, community engagement, and scholarship, will make meaningful contributions to indigenization and decolonization both within and beyond the university walls.

Louise Crane — Métis

Louise is a proud Métis of Cree heritage with a professional background in social work and consulting. She holds a degree from University of Calgary in Heritage Resource Management. Louise’s insight, lived experience and thoughtful leadership help guide MRU’s work in a meaningful and impactful way.

Alice Kaquitts — Îethka Stoney Nakoda Nation

Elder Alice Kaquitts is a respected Îethka Stoney Nakoda Woman Pipe Holder and Ceremonialist from the Goodstoney Nation, and a valued member of Mount Royal University. An alumna with a Diploma of Social Work (1993) and a Bachelor of Social Work from University of Calgary (1998), she serves on the Traditional Thinkers Advisory Council and supports students and faculty through her leadership and guidance. Alice is a strong leader that advocates for Îethka language and culture, offering her knowledge and experience to communities across Alberta.

Alvin Manitopyes —Muskowekwan Nation

Alvin is of Plains Cree and Anishnawbe ancestry and a member of the Muskowekwan First Nation in Saskatchewan. Grounded in traditional teachings, he shares Indigenous knowledge, culture, and healing practices with diverse audiences at wellness and environmental gatherings across North America and internationally. He co-founded the Plains Indian Cultural Survival School and supported the establishment of Awotaan Healing Lodge Society, and is an accomplished traditional dancer on the North American powwow circuit.

Dr. Bruce Starlight — Tsuu t'ina

Dr. Bruce Starlight is a respected leader of the Tsuut’ina Nation and a lifelong advocate for the preservation of Indigenous language, culture, and rights. One of the last fluent speakers of the Tsuut’ina language, he founded the Tsuut’ina Gunaha Institute in 2008 and continues to guide initiatives that support language revitalization. The first elected Indigenous director of the Calgary Stampede Board of Directors, he has been recognized with Alberta’s Citizen of the Century Award and an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Mount Royal University (2023).

Dr. Roy Weasel Fat — Kainai Nation

Dr. Roy Weasel Fat is a Blackfoot educator and community leader from the Kainai Nation in southern Alberta. He has been instrumental in promoting the role of Traditional Blackfoot Knowledge in formal education for Blackfoot learners, and more broadly for all Indigenous learners. Throughout his career he championed the integration of Traditional Blackfoot Knowledge into post-secondary education, a contribution for which Athabasca University awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Laws.

Calvin Williams — Kainai Nation

Mah tsa otaan has spent half his life living and learning the Niitsitapii Way of Life. He is now an Elder ready to pass on all he has learned from the traditional Elders of Blackfoot Country.

Miiksika'am, Dr. Clarence Wolfleg — Siksika Nation

Elder Miiksika'am (Dr. Clarence Wolfleg) is from Siksika Nation and is a spiritual advisor for multiple groups and organizations throughout Treaty 7, including Mount Royal University, Bow Valley College, Heritage Park, SAIT, and the City of Calgary. A Canadian Military Veteran and former UN Peacekeeper, he served ten terms on the Siksika Nation Council and played a pivotal role in bringing the Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park to life. He received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from MRU in 2021.