About

Samantha is an accomplished academic, published researcher, futurist and business leader. She is a proud member of the Métis Nation of Alberta and the Founding Director of Future Ancestors Services, a Black and Indigenous-owned and operated social enterprise that provides speaking, training, research, and community services that advance climate justice and equity with the lens of ancestral accountability and anti-racism. Drawing on her diverse experience from across sectors, Sam’s foresight work explores possible futures through the lenses of Indigenous futurism, ancestry, and equity.

Samantha studied at the University of Alberta, Augustana Faculty in Camrose, Alberta, where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, graduating with honours. Samantha’s undergraduate research focused on learning the Indigenous histories and traditional knowledge associated with the Beaver Hills region in Alberta. She worked closely with Cree and Métis elders, and this work was published in the Canadian Journal of Native Studies (2016). In 2014, Samantha received the Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award for this work.

In 2019, she furthered her education in Tkaranto (Toronto), where she completed a Master of Design in Strategic Foresight and Innovation at OCAD University. Specializing in Indigenous and decolonizing futures from a Métis perspective, Samantha’s graduate research is the first of its kind and was completed in close partnership with the Métis Nation of Ontario. In 2020, this research was nominated for the Association of Professional Futurists Student Recognition Award.

Samantha began her career as an Engagement Coordinator in the Department of Indigenous Relations at the Government of Alberta, where she focused on consultation and engagement around environmental policy development. She left her government role to live and work in Iceland for several months before her career transitioned to the non-profit sector. She spent two years in science outreach at the Telus World of Science - Edmonton. During her time in Toronto, Samantha was also the Executive Director of a young non-profit organization, the Centre for Indigenous Innovation and Technology, which aims to address the underrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples in the technology and innovation sectors in Canada. She represented graduate students on the Board of Governors of OCAD University and was chosen to sit on the University’s Presidential Selection Committee. Having recently relocated to Calgary, Sam is now bringing her commitment to amplifying Indigenous voices to her freelance work and current role with Future Ancestors Services.