Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Nitaaniko Iitsissaana'wa, ninna kii niksissta aanistaa Rick and Sharon Tailfeathers, niimotoo'too Pomiipiskaan naa Kainai'wa. My Blackfoot name is Seen Standing in Front; my name was given to me by my father Rick Tailfeathers. I am a member of the Kainai community and grew up on the south end of the reserve in Bullhorn. Being raised on the land deeply shaped my worldview and led me to ULethbridge, where I sought to bridge Western biology with the Blackfoot Knowledge systems I grew up in. ULethbridge offered a space to foster these connections, supported by mentorship from professors and Elders throughout my undergrad. I had the opportunity to work in cancer cell research and microbiology with Drs. Sophie and Roy Golsteyn, which gave me valuable insight into laboratory research and skills. During this time, I also sat and listened to learn from my Kainai elders, including my dad and Bruce Wolf Child, about how to live as Niitsitapi. This foundation continues to shape my work in youth outreach education and community health research today. I hope to embed Blackfoot Knowledge Systems in everything I do.
How long have you been at ULethbridge, and what do you do here?
I have been a student at ULethbridge since 2011 and an employee since 2025. I am currently a master's student in Health Sciences and a full-time staff member of Destination Exploration. In my InSTEM Coordinator role with DE, I help design and deliver hands-on STEM programming that connects Western science with Indigenous Knowledge. My work centres on empowering Indigenous youth to see themselves as Indigenous scientists while removing barriers to STEM education. We focus on building confidence, inclusion and identity in STEM and use a Two-Eyed Seeing framework in both institutional practice and the work we do with youth.
What's the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is showing youth that Indigenous people have always been land-based scientists, and creating community relationships. I have a lot of those “full circle moments,” where I can remember being a youth wishing there were spaces for culture and science like those I help create today.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my two children foremost. The rest of my time is devoted to powwows and art; I design regalia, make beadwork, paint, and sew jingle dresses. Then I go to the gym and practice my powwow dancing for the next powwow.