Community Projects - Engagement

I’m dedicated to working alongside indigenous communities across Canada through impactful projects while leading a movement for positive change.

Dr. Sean Lessard » Service Dossier

Service Statement

As an Indigenous Scholar and community member, my ongoing service commitments are rooted in a sense of collective responsibility and gratitude. Weekly, I engage formally and informally with communities as a child advocate and a primary researcher for Bill C 92 legislation, addressing child welfare sovereignty.

Service to the Broader Community

Enoch Animated Season 1 & 2

Enoch Animated Season 1 & 2 is the inaugural animated series created for Enoch Cree Nation youth and families, featuring 24 short films depicting elders’ stories. As the co-designer and writer, I collaborated on all aspects, including developing and accompanying curricular resources.

The animated shorts were translated into Cree, and through community-based research methodologies, elder interviews were co-facilitated to ensure cultural responsiveness. The series has garnered 1 to 1.5 million views and shares, received international recognition and was featured on the CBC Morning Show.

Re-Design Nakoda 10-20-30 Language Curriculum

As a co-author, I contributed to the creation of the first-ever Nakoda Language Curriculum in Saskatchewan. Through over 1000 hours of volunteer work, I met requirements and delivered the curriculum, receiving an honour in Treaty 4 territory during a grand ceremonial presentation.

Land-Based Curriculum Project

As the Volunteer Project Lead, I interviewed elders and youth to co-create Pre-K to 12 Land-Based Curriculum with a wellness focus. Ongoing collaboration has involved over 500 volunteer hours since February.

Enoch Cree Nation Curriculum

As the Project Lead Researcher, I led the collaborative development of a Pre-K to 12 Land-Based Curriculum in Cree Syllabics, Cree, and English. After piloting in September 2021, the curriculum received Ministerial Approval on April 1, 2022.

Whitebear First Nation Research

In a collaborative effort with the Treaty Education Alliance, I led a 4-month case study to identify gaps in educational systems, resulting in a foundational document developed by the community. This research project has policy implications for equity.

Ile La Crosse Research

Engaging in micro and macro interventions within communities, I volunteered to track and reverse engineer the experience through research conversations with youth and teachers.

Dr. Sean Lessard Scholarship Initiative

I initiated and funded five university scholarships in teacher education and Indigenous studies and two high school scholarships focused on Indigenous leadership in local schools.

Sahkotowin Elders Abuse Project

I engaged with youth and elders at Enoch Cree Nation. I volunteered to foster reconciliation and love through various activities, including lawns, snow removal, cooking, technology teaching, and collaborative projects driven by love.

Board Membership

I serve on the boards of Lakeland College, Everactive Schools, Spirit North, Growing Young Movers, and Change Health.

Sahkotowin Project

Volunteering every Friday, this ongoing service involves connecting with local elders and engaging over 25 youth. The project teaches elders technology skills and addresses the fast-paced world, involving activities like food preparation, construction projects, and recently donating over 100 pairs of running shoes to start an elders track club.

Speaking Engagements

I regularly engaged with high school, university, college, and graduate students, elders, and adult learners across Canada to encourage their journeys.

Piloting Indigenous Pathways Course

I taught a new course to high school students, tracking their progress.

Curriculum & Course Development

I devoted thousands of hours to writing, composing, designing, editing, and creating curricular documents for communities and school systems. I developed 6 online webinars on land-based education for Ontario Principals and volunteered to develop the first pre-K to grade 12 land-based curriculum in Alberta.

Bike & Runners Donation

I personally provided 500 bikes for Indigenous youth and over 1000 pairs of running shoes for elders and Indigenous youth in the past calendar year to create opportunities for those impacted by foster care systems.

Service to the University of Alberta

Mentor for Summer Institute

I taught courses at the Summer Institute to mentor two colleagues in teaching and assessing graduate courses.

Interim Director - CRTED

I volunteered as the transitional interim Director for the Centre for Research Teacher Education Development (CRTED) and hosted weekly research conversations for undergraduate and graduate students.

Diversity Equity and Respect (DER) Committee

Active membership in the University of Alberta’s Diversity Equity and Respect Committee, focusing on initiatives to support students.

Enoch Cree Nation Course

Secured a grant to facilitate Dr. Dwayne Donald’s successful full-year graduate course at Enoch Cree Nation, with plans for its repeat due to its effectiveness.

Partnership Agreements U of A x Country Alumni

Developed a partnership agreement where Enoch Cree Nation sponsored the track team for 10,000 students, fostering collaboration within the newly formed #sameteam alliance.

Funded Scholarships

Dr. Sean Lessard Award – Montreal Lake Cree Nation Graduation Scholarship: $1,500 yearly.
Dr.Sean Lessard Indigenous Athletes Scholarship University of Alberta, $1500 yearly
Dr. Sean Lessard Award – Lakeland College Indigenous Education Scholarship: $2,000 yearly
Dr. Sean Lessard Aboriginal Teacher Education Program Scholarship $1500 yearly
Redworn Runners Inc. (Shoes for youth across Saskatchewan)
Ecole Greenfield School ($1,000 FNMI-related books)
Name to Place Inc. (Ontario Youth Leadership Wolfpack FNIM Student Success): $2,000
Growing Young Movers Youth Development Inc.: $150,000 + bursaries and work-related experiences