The University of Winnipeg is pleased to welcome Sheila North as Executive Director, Indigenous Engagement, effective October 7.
A member of Bunibonibee Cree Nation (also known as Oxford House), Sheila North is the former Grand Chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) 2015 to 2018. Before that, she worked as a journalist/storyteller in the media industry for 15 years. She is recognized for her efforts building bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities during her work with media and during her time as the MKO Grand Chief.
“We are very excited to welcome Sheila North,” said Dr. Chantal Fiola, Associate Vice-President, Indigenous. “She brings with her a wealth of experience, including navigating complex relationships between distinct stakeholders and encouraging collaboration towards shared goals. Sheila is recognized as a diplomatic and humble leader who uplifts community voices and can help encourage meaningful and reciprocal relationships between the University and Indigenous communities.”
Most recently, Sheila was the Director, Missing Children, Residential Schools, and Engagements for the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) program in Canada on Engagement Strategy for Missing Children from former Residential School sites. Prior to starting with ICMP, she achieved her lifelong dream of being an anchor and journalist at CBC Manitoba. Formerly, she was the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Legacy Bowes and political commentator for CTV Network.
Before Sheila became the Grand Chief of MKO, she worked as a journalist for CBC for seven years (2005 to 2012). She has also been an entrepreneur, a Cree translator, an economic development officer, a radio personality, a Chief Communication Officer at the Assembly for Manitoba Chiefs, and a correspondent with CTV News until being elected as MKO Grand Chief in September 2015.
One of Sheila’s passions is working with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to raise awareness about the national tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW). She is also the original creator of the commonly used hashtag, #MMIW. She continues to work closely with families, friends, and Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders to address the issue of violence against Indigenous women that has resulted in the current crisis. She has succeeded in engaging people in responding to the critical issue of MMIW through a variety of means, including her most recent project—a documentary she co-produced with Leonard Yakir titled 1200+ that highlights some of the systemic issues that place Indigenous women at greater risk for violence and sexual exploitation. With assistance from the Canadian Women’s Foundation, she also commissioned a curriculum on MMIW that pairs with the film.
Sheila comes from proud and big family, is a mother of two, and a Kookom of one.
