Dr. Leona Makokis is a nêhiyaw nôcikwesiw (female Elder) from Kehewin Cree Nation and past President of University nuhelot’įne thaiyots’į nistameyimâkanak Blue Quills (UnBQ).
UnBQ is situated in a former Indian Residential School near St. Paul, Alberta in which Leona attended as a child. Leona has extensive teaching and research experience with a focus on leadership and revitalization of nêhiyawêwin (the Cree language). Leona’s contributions have been widely recognized including an Honorary Degree from the University of Calgary and an Indspire Award, (formerly the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards) for outstanding lifetime achievement in the field of Indigenous Education. Through ceremony, Leona and Ralph developed the various services IRM offers.
