Elizabeth Ferguson

Instructor, English, Indigenous Studies

"It is my intention is to inspire students by sharing the knowledge of our Indigenous storytellers, elders, artists, and scientists acknowledging the inherent right to practice and articulate the wisdom of our ancestors." - Elizabeth Ferguson, Instructor, English, Indigenous Studies

I would like to begin by respectfully acknowledging that Selkirk College operates on territory of the Sinixt (Lakes), Syilx (Okanagan), Ktunaxa, and Secwepemc (Shuswap) peoples. I would also like to acknowledge the Métis peoples and all indigenous beings who call this territory home.

My english name is Elizabeth Ferguson and my Blackfoot name is Ahgaabeeksaki, Many Birds Woman. My roots are Dene Tha from Chateh, Alberta. In 1999 I began Grade 8 Adult Basic Education at Selkirk College and subsequently completed two years university transfer courses then transferred to the University of Lethbridge where I completed a BA and MA in Native American Studies. I returned to Nelson developing programs and services for non profits until I was offered a teaching position at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) where I taught a variety of courses both on campus and on remote reserves. Although I loved NVIT, I returned to the University of Lethbridge to manage First Nation, Métis and Inuit FNMI Student Services to develop programs and advocate for student supports. I also taught the occasional course. I am delighted to return to Selkirk College as an instructor to share the wisdom of all my many teachers and elders.