Can you identify a leader that you admire and explain why? This question completely stumped me during a second interview for an Indigenous leadership position of an organization that I had applied for. I was speechless. So many courageous, innovative, graceful, and fearless leaders whizzed through my mind and as I began to formulate a response for the interview panel. There are many challenges for Indigenous leaders navigating through education systems, especially when advocating for Indigenous students and education. Based on my experiences, navigating through policies, procedures and systemic inequities for Indigenous peoples can feel overwhelming, lonely and, oftentimes, frustrating. Structural changes are required for Indigenous leaders to feel supported, respected and valued within education systems, to ensure that Indigenous leaders are flourishing within their respective roles, and beyond. I have worked in numerous formal Indigenous leadership positions within education over the past ten years, such as a First Nations, Métis and Inuit consultant, program coordinator and supervisor at the division level, and provincial level. Throughout my experiences within education, I have worked and learned alongside many inspirational leaders. The Indigenous leaders mentioned in my reflection have greatly inspired me through their unwavering and unfaltering actions and are an inspiration to me and countless others and will continue to inspire for future generations across Turtle Island. I am grateful for opportunities to reflect and share my beliefs, alongside my experiences, in leadership and to continue to work on learning, growing, and sharing my learnings with others.

Authors:
Melissa Purcell, University of Calgary, Canada

About the Presenter(s)
Melissa Purcell is Denesuline-Irish and a member of Smith's Landing First Nation. She is a graduate student at the University of Calgary in educational research and Executive Staff Officer, Indigenous Education with the Alberta Teachers' Association.

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