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Dr. Elmer Ghostkeeper BA MA LL(Hon)
University of Alberta
Monday, June 17, 2024
Elmer Ghostkeeper was born to parents Adolphus and Elsie Ghostkeeper at the Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement, Alberta. He is Métis and speaks fluent Bushland Cree and Michif, the language of Métis people. He is a spiritualist, father, grandfather, teacher, student, learner, philosopher and entrepreneur. He has worked tirelessly over 50 years as a politician, community leader, business person, knowledge keeper and scholar to promote the rights of Métis peoples in Canada and to build relationships across Indigenous and non-Indigenous worldviews.
A holder of two anthropology degrees from the University of Alberta, his master’s thesis in cultural anthropology was published into a book, “Spirit Gifting: The Concept of Spiritual Exchange,” which outlined a way for Aboriginal wisdom traditions to be partnered with western scientific knowledge. His work led to a model called “Weche Teachings/Wisescience”, a partnership of Aboriginal wisdom and western scientific knowledge to understand and solve puzzles affecting Aboriginal People. Elmer was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Alberta on November 22nd, 2022.
In the past 50 years, this work has shaped national, international, and local policy, research and teaching conversations about the ways in which Indigenous knowledge systems and western scientific traditions might work together. Elmer also shares this knowledge with faculty, staff, and students at the University of Alberta and contributes to the University’s strategic priority to Indigenize curricula, policies, and research.
His many accomplishments include serving as president of the Alberta Federation of Métis Settlements Associations, advocating for inclusion of Métis peoples among the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada in the Canadian Constitution. In 2004, Elmer received the Order of the Métis Nation for securing recognition of the Métis in the Constitution of Canada.
Dr. Florence Glanfield, Vice-Provost, (Indigenous Programming & Research) Professor, Mathematics Education
Banquet Speaker
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Dr. Glanfield is a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. In her role as Vice-Provost (Indigenous Programming and Research), Dr. Glanfield led the development, consultation, and approval of the Indigenous Strategic Plan in support of the objectives articulated in For the Public Good, build and nurture positive relationships with Indigenous communities, support the work of Faculties and Departments to Indigenize curricula across programs, and foster a supportive environment for Indigenous faculty, students, and staff.
Dr. Glanfield comes to the Vice-Provost position from her previous role as Professor and Chair of the Department of Secondary Education in the Faculty of Education, where her primary areas of scholarship include mathematics teacher education, Aboriginal curriculum perspectives, and relational research methodologies. She is an Affiliated Faculty member with the Centre for Research for Teacher Education and Development.
For more information about Dr. Glanfield click HERE.
Honorable Omar Alghabra, M.P., MBA, BSc, (Mechanical Engineering)
Closing Speaker
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Omar Alghabra is a senior executive and a leader with a distinguished career in the private and public sector, most recently as the Minister of Transport in the Government of Canada. Omar holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from Toronto Metropolitan University and an MBA from York University.
Prior to becoming Minister of Transport, Omar served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister. As the Minister of Transport, Omar delivered key initiatives that advanced Canada’s economic prosperity, security, and competitiveness. During the COVID pandemic, provided steady leadership navigating through complex public health, security, and economic challenges.
During his term at Transport Canada, he overhauled the rules that govern the transportation network and supply chains, establishing the foundation of more resilient, greener and innovative transportation system in Canada. As a member of Canada’s cabinet, he contributed substantively to decisions facing one of the most turbulent and challenging periods in the world’s history.
In the private sector, Omar worked with several corporations, including companies like GE where he worked in various capacities including in quality assurance, sales and business operations.