Francois Paulette

About

I am Denesuline and a member of the Smith's Landing Treaty 8 First Nation. As an advocate of treaty and Indigenous rights, I am recognized in the courts as an expert witness on historic treaties. I have spoken to international audiences on Aboriginal and treaty rights, spiritualism, healing from colonial oppression and environmental protection.

My language and traditional knowledge derives from my relationship with the land. I bring these valuable experiences to teaching as a guest lecturer at institutions such as the University of Alberta, Aurora College, Dechinta Centre for Research and Learning, and the University of Toronto.

Affiliated with the Institute for Circumpolar Health Research in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories since 2010, I have supported the development of health systems research partnerships and project implementation, and I have provided advice and guided elder engagement on numerous Canadian Institutes of Health Research funded research projects. I have been a co-investigator on methodological work, health systems studies and research that explores environmental impacts on health and wellness in circumpolar regions.

As an adjunct professor, I support research as an elder advisor and traditional knowledge holder; co-supervise graduate students applying traditional knowledge methods in their research; and, provide orientation for masters of public health practicum students in Yellowknife.

Degrees

Certificate in Negotiation, Harvard University, 1992

Certificate in First Nations Negotiations, Banff School of Management, 1990

Certificate in Community Addictions Training, Nechi Institute: Centre for Indigenous Learning, 1982

Awards

Officer of the Order of Canada, 2019

Arctic Inspiration Prize for Thaidene Nene Initiative, 2012

Honorary Diploma in Social Work, Aurora College, 2000

Chatwood, S., Paulette, F., Baker, R., Eriksen, A., Hansen, K. L., Eriksen, H., Brown, A

International Journal of Circumpolar Health. 2015 January; 74