New Faculty Member: Danika Billie Rose Littlechild

Thu. Sep. 26, 2024

We are excited to welcome Danika Billie Rose Littlechild to the University of Winnipeg. Professor Littlechild has been appointed to a joint position with the Master's in Development Practice (MDP) Program, housed in Global College, and the Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences (ESS).

Danika Billie Rose Littlechild is a First Nations scholar who is a Registered Member of Ermineskin Cree Nation (Neyâskweyâhk), Maskwacis, Treaty 6 territory, Alberta. She holds a UNESCO Research Chair in Biodiversity, Conservation and Indigenous Health and Well-Being. Danika is interested in environment, water, biodiversity, conservation and Indigenous systems, laws, protocols and practices. She is co-Investigator in The ⴰⵔⵔⴰⵎⴰⵜ Ărramăt Project: Strengthening health and wellbeing through Indigenous-led conservation and sustainable relationships with biodiversity – a New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) Transformations Grant of $24 million announced in January 2022. She’s a frequent committee member, advisor, and consultant with expertise in laws and policy pertaining to Indigenous Peoples and environment, as well as a familiarity in working with systems, laws, and cultures of many Indigenous Peoples. She practiced law for two decades, working primarily with Indigenous Peoples and organizations, was previously an assistant professor at Carleton University, and was vice-president of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO.

Professor Littlechild is one of eight new Indigenous faculty members joining the University of Winnipeg as part of the Indigenous cluster hire.

On behalf of the faculty, staff, and students of MDP, ESS, and Global College, we extend our congratulations to Professor Littlechild and warmly welcome her to her new role.