Four New Faculty Members Join the FNUniv Community

FNUniv is pleased to welcome four new faculty members who joined the First Nations University of Canada on November 1, 2024.

Adding to the wealth of expertise, knowledge and vision of the Indigenous Languages, the Indigenous Communication Arts (INCA), and the Indigenous Social Work programs, please welcome them to the FNUniv community!

Joining the Indigenous Languages program, please welcome Darian âcikahtê (Agecoutay), a Cree/Saulteaux/Dakota from kâ-wâh-wâkikamâk (Cowessess First Nation). He has a Bachelor of Arts in Cree Language Literacy and is currently completing a M. Ed in Indigenous Language Education. As a second-language learner, Darian utilizes methods of learning that assisted him in acquiring nêhiyawêwin (Cree), using similar methods in his teachings. 

Darian is a Lecturer located at the Regina Campus.

New to the Indigenous Communications Arts (INCA) Regina Campus faculty is Nelson Bird. Currently a lecturer and mentor, he is a professional journalist who spent 26 years at CTV Saskatchewan News as a reporter, anchor, producer, cameraperson, and assignment editor. He is also the longest serving host and producer of the weekly CTV SK news segment “Indigenous Circle”. In July 2024, Nelson left CTV and committed to passing on his experience and knowledge to young and upcoming journalists.

Nelson is a mix of Cree, Saulteaux, and Metis, and was born in Balcarres SK and raised on Peepeekisis Cree Nation. He is a graduate of University of Regina / First Nations University of Canada with a degree in Journalism and Indigenous Studies as well as a diploma in Indian Communication Arts.
Nelson has won numerous regional, national and international awards for his work from professional organizations such as the Canadian Association of Journalists, the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) of Canada and the U.S.-based Native American Journalists Association. In July 2023, he was awarded a lifetime achievement award from the RTNDA and has also been recognized by First Nations organizations and given awards of excellence for his achievements.

Nelson is passionate about storytelling and is very proud of his Indigenous culture which has led to covering issues relating to diversity but has a special knowledge and interest in Indigenous issues. He also emcees and delivers keynote speeches at schools, universities and other events.

Nelson lives in Regina with his wife Judy and their pets. In his spare time, he is a jack-of-all-trades and does everything from plumbing to carpentry.

We have two members joining Indigenous Social Work in Regina and Northern Campus.

Alison L. Elsner, a proud Cree Indigenous woman from the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, currently residing on Treaty 4 territory near Regina, SK., is a Lecturer at the Regina Campus. Her spiritual and ancestral roots are central to her identity and fuel her dedication to supporting Indigenous communities confronting intergenerational trauma, interpersonal violence, and wholisitic healing.

Reclaiming her cultural identity later in life has profoundly shaped her advocacy, driving her to address historical trauma and celebrate cultural resilience.

Alison holds a Bachelor Indian Social Work from the First Nations University of Canada and a Master Social Work – Indigenous Field of Study from Wilfrid Laurier University and Kenjgewin Teg, where she received the Anishnibaabe Aadziwin Distinction for her engagement with Indigenous languages and practices.

As an educator, Alison employs a wholistic teaching philosophy that fosters critical dialogue around historical trauma and healthcare disparities in Indigenous communities. Her experience includes serving on the Health Committee for the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation Health Center and contributing to initiatives like the Around the Kitchen Table program with the All Nations Hope Network.

Alison’s interests encompass advocacy, trauma recovery, cultural integration, and wholistic health. Committed to continuous learning, she pursues certifications in Indigenous cultural competency and trauma-informed care. Through her work, she honours her heritage and strives to empower Indigenous communities on their healing journeys, promoting justice and well-being for our people.

Carrie McCloy is also a new Lecturer with the Indigenous Social Work program, based out of the Northern Campus, Prince Albert.