Dr. Patricia Makokis resides on the Saddle Lake Cree Nation with her husband Eugene. She is mother of two adult children, Janice and James, and kokum (grandmother) to four-year-old Atayoh.

Pat is acclaimed as one of Canada’s most outstanding Indigenous leaders. She is an author, speaker and a pioneer for Indigenous education, health and values. She is a community-based leader who traverses the western and the Indigenous world of education and business through professional development. Patricia has built and facilitated training programs that privilege Indigenous knowledge alongside western ways. Most recently, she led the development of the Indigenous Community Industry Relations (ICIR) program in the Faculty of Extension at the University of Alberta.

Pat is the recipient of numerous awards for her exceptional work in advancing opportunities for her people. She was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal Award and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of San Diego amongst others. Patricia has a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.), with a major in leadership, from the University of San Diego. She is a board member for the Circle for Aboriginal Relations (CFAR). She sees herself as a servant of the People and believes in Relational Leadership and Engagement.