Denise Verreault
Denise C. Verreault is a proud band member of the Alexis Nakota Sioux First Nation, Treaty 6, Alberta. For the past 20 years Denise has developed and managed social services, environmental and housing programs with numerous Indigenous communities across Canada, in Alberta, Ontario and most recently British Columbia. Denise respectfully works in collaboration with First Nations, Métis, Modern Treaty Nations, Tribal Councils, Provincial/ Territorial Organizations, environmental non-government organizations, general public and, provincial and federal governments.
In understanding culturally appropriate and sensitivity practices Denise leans on the structured, intentional teachings from her family, Elders and Knowledge Keepers. Denise has a deep and personal understanding of practice in cultural humility and agility, and Indigenous-centered service approach. Denise believes oral history, storytelling, ceremony and traditions are part of cultural identity and gladly embraces it whenever given the opportunity within her own community or any other community. Being able to combine her traditional knowledge and cultural teachings with technical and social change expertise to support community conversations is critically important. Denise also emphasis’ that understanding the importance of Indigenous protocols and that of knowledge keepers’ input needs to be accessed continuously, along with the use of translators to keep the true meaning of the dialogue within the cultural tributaries we all live in.
Obtaining her Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies at Athabasca University has increased her ability to apply an understanding of the impacts of colonization and the principles of reconciliation in relation to the provision of social services, as well as legislation and policy. Denise feels ongoing learning about decolonization, antiracism and the multi-faceted and intergenerational impacts on Indigenous and racialized communities is critical in supporting cultural safety, humility and agility. Her Master of Arts project was based on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s reports and the Calls to Action, specifically number 54. Professional Development and Training for Public Servants. She feels transfer of knowledge can be achieved through the creation and identification of ‘Transformative Indigenous Knowledge’, which she has “…as the use of Indigenous knowledge, cultural awareness, practices, and protocols during non-Indigenous work or recreational activities, which includes using the Indigenous protocols and practices that exist in the geographic location of the activities.”. Most importantly, in the completion of her Master of Arts Denise was able to tell the story of her personal experience as an intergenerational survivor of Indian Residential Schools.
Denise has received recognition awards from Yellowhead Tribal College in 2019 for completion of her Master of Arts degree and in 2003 for completion of a Bachelor of Science degree. She also received Born to Soar award in 2005 from Alexis Nakota Sioux First Nation and a Pathfinder Program Commitment Award in 2007 from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Aboriginal and Northern Community Action Program (ANCAP).
Denise practices her Alexis Nakota Sioux traditions and culture. Denise has a Bachelor of Science degree from Concordia University of Alberta, a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a foci of Global Change and Community Studies.
