2023 Strategic Program Speakers

Cheryle Chagnon-Greyeyes is a proud Nehiyaw Esquao (Cree Woman), a member of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, Saskatchewan, Treaty Six, and Métis.  Her ceremonially gifted Cree name translates to “Healing Woman Who Walks Far”, and she has resided in Calgary, Treaty 7, Alberta, since 1993.  Cheryle earned a BA in Communications and a BA in Canadian “Native” Studies from the University of Calgary, and a Diploma in Advertising & Public Relations from Grant MacEwan University, Edmonton.  Cheryle received the rank of Corporal in the Canadian Air Force, receiving an honourable discharge after five years’ service.

Cheryle has been an Indigenous activist within Calgary and area for the past two decades, speaking, marching, singing and drumming for women, MMIWG2S/Sisters in Spirit/Justice for Jackie Crazybull, Indigenous Justice, championing the environment and equality, and speaking up for those who cannot.  Cheryle retired as Administrative Coordinator at the Native Centre at the University of Calgary; she was former Leader of the Green Party of Alberta (2018-2019) and a KAIROS Blanket Exercise Facilitator (2017-2020). Recognized as a Traditional Knowledge Keeper, Cree Elder and Pipe Carrier, Cheryle provides service sharing Indigenous protocol, Territorial Acknowledgements, Medicine Wheel Teachings, Indigenous cultural teachings and stories, prayers and ceremony (upon request).  She is a member of the Storytellers of Canada and Storytelling Alberta as an Indigenous storyteller and performer.  Cheryle is mother of two and “Kokum” (grandmother) to five beautiful grandchildren.