Heather O'Watch

Heather is a Nakota and Plains Cree woman from the Okanese First Nation located in Treaty 4 Territory. She also has paternal ties to Cegakin (Carry The Kettle) First Nation. Her lineage roots surround areas of Treaty 4. Heather holds a Bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Studies as well as a diploma in Indigenous Communication Arts (INCA) from the First Nations University of Canada. She is currently enrolled in a Master’s Degree in Public Policy at the University of Saskatchewan and is a research assistant at Morning Star Lodge. Her community research experiences include; Water Governance and Policy, Aging Health and Dementia research amongst Indigenous Peoples, and Sexual Reproduction Health Rights amongst Indigenous women in Canada. She also has been involved in the philanthropic sector as a researcher for an Indigenous organization. Heather has work experience internationally in Colombia working in youth and rural community development. While Heather was in her undergraduate, she was an advocate for Indigenous rights and post-secondary education. Along with her advocacy work she was the provincial representative on the national executive for the Canadian Federation of Students. Heather also is a storyteller who has worked on media projects as well as creative writing including a children's book. When not working or volunteering, Heather spends time with her partner, 4 dogs and cat Pēyak.