Marie Ann Battiste, O.C.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Unama’ki, Mi’kma’ki (Cape Breton Island)
Professor, researcher, author and fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Marie Battiste has made foundational contributions to research and scholarship on Indigenous knowledge and languages. A treaty member of the Mi’kmaq Nation, she has elucidated the historical impact of cognitive imperialism on education and the needed protection, recovery and renewal of Indigenous knowledge and languages. A highly sought-after advisor and speaker, she has been at the forefront of efforts in the Indigenization and decolonization of education, with influences that extend beyond national boundaries and educational institutions.