Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond (Aki-Kwe)

Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond (Aki-Kwe) is the Academic Director of the Centre. She is a Canadian lawyer, former judge, legislative advocate for children’s rights and a professor at UBC’s Allard School of Law. She holds a law degree from Osgoode Hall at York University, a master’s degree in international law from the University of Cambridge, and a doctorate of law from Harvard Law School. As a member of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, Aki-Kwe was the first Treaty Indian to be named to the judicial bench in Saskatchewan. She has served as a Representative for Children and Youth for BC, and continues to draft legislation, provide legal advice and speak to all levels of government.

Chief Dr. Robert Joseph

Chief Dr. Robert Joseph is a Hereditary Chief of the Gwawaenuk First Nation. One of the last speakers of the Kwakwaka’wakw language, he has worked as a language instructor at the University of British Columbia. He is also an internationally recognized author, curator, and speaker. A Survivor of residential school, he speaks widely about his experiences and of reconciliation. He is the Ambassador for Reconciliation Canada and a member of the National Assembly of First Nations Elders Council. He is an honorary witness to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, past Executive Director of the Indian Residential School Survivors Society, Chairman of the Native American Leadership Alliance for Peace, and Reconciliation and Ambassador for Peace and Reconciliation. Among his many awards and honours, Chief Joseph is the recipient of the Wallenberg Sugihara Civil Courage Award, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, Order of British Columbia, and Order of Canada.

Carey Newman (Hayalthkin’geme)

Carey Newman (Hayalthkin’geme) is a multi-disciplinary artist and master carver. Through his father he is Kwakwak’awakw from the Kukwekum, Giiksam, and WaWalaby’ie clans of Fort Rupert, and Coast Salish from Cheam of the Sto:lo Nation along the upper Fraser Valley. Through his mother he is English, Irish, and Scottish. In his artistic practice he strives highlight either Indigenous, social, or environmental issues.  He is also interested in engaging with community and incorporating socially innovative practice into his artistic process. Carey’s most recent major work, the Witness Blanket, made of items collected from Residential Schools, Government Buildings and Churches across Canada, deals with the subject of Reconciliation.

In 2008, Carey was selected as the master carver of the Cowichan 2008 Spirit Pole, a journey that saw him travel the province of BC sharing the carving experience of carving a 20’ totem with over 11,000 people. In 2009, Carey was selected from a national call to artists by VANOC and won the right to create a large installation. His piece entitled “Dancing Wind”, featured during the 2010 Olympic Games, consisted of 4 large panels, made from stainless steel, cedar and glass. He has done work for corporations, government agencies and museums around the world. Recently appointed as the Audain Professor of Contemporary Art Practice of the Pacific Northwest at the University of Victoria, Carey is continually grateful for the opportunity to explore new ideas.

Carey was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 2017 and was named to the Order of British Columbia in 2018.

Marion Newman

Mezzo-soprano Marion Newman (she/her) is Kwagiulth and Stó:lō with English, Irish and Scottish heritage. She has been acclaimed for her roles in Barber, Carmen and Missing and was nominated for a Dora Award in Shanawdithit. In addition to her operatic career Marion is sought after as speaker, teacher, facilitator, advisor and dramaturge for institutions and arts organizations across Canada. She is a Co-Founder of Amplified Opera. Upcoming appearances include Migrations in her debut with the Welsh National Opera. Marion’s newest role is host of Saturday Afternoon at the Opera, a national radio show on CBC Music.

Photo credit of Marion by Howard J. Davis

Ellen Newman

Bio coming soon.