Biography

Recognized community leader with knowledge, experience and skills in promoting social justice and supporting the aspirations of Indigenous people in Canada and Globally.

• Public Speaker

Articulate, personable and stimulating authority on contemporary social issues needing public understanding, engagement and action.

• Policy Analyst

Based on an understanding of social needs and economic conditions, able to assist policy makers in understanding and developing public policy and strategies for involvement.

• Facilitator and Animator

Skilled facilitator able to enhance participation and results from group discussions and inter-cultural community action. With a broad knowledge of social and economic history, has conducted research on OCAP principles.

• Lecturer and Teacher

A trained teacher, currently lecturing in the Faculty of Education at the University of Winnipeg.
EMPLOYMENT

Faculty/ Special Projects Coordinator
Faculty of Education, University of Winnipeg April 2009 – Ongoing

Faculty/ Coordinator
Faculty of Education, University of Winnipeg August 2007- April 2009

Instructor November 2001- August 2007
Red River College

Teacher/ Coordinator September 1999 – November 2001
Higher Opportunities for People Through Education

Teacher/ Coordinator March 1999- June 1999
School Division # 1

EDUCATION

Walls to Bridges Program, Kitchener, Ontario 2015
Training to teach university courses to individuals residing in
correctional facilities.

Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, M.A. 2004
Capstone: Capacity Building through Training in First Nation Communities
Student of Distinction

University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, B.Ed. 1998
Majors: Drama and English
Student of Distinction

Vincent Massey Collegiate, Winnipeg, Manitoba 1990
University Entrance Graduate, Cum Laude

AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Walls to Bridges Program 2015
2500.00 Scholarship to cover expenses and training for the program

University of Winnipeg 2015
Merit Award, for excellence in teaching and scholarship

University Of Winnipeg 2008
10,000.00 Opportunity Fund Scholarship to pursue Doctoral studies.

BOARDS, COUNCILS, COMMITTEES

Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues- United Nations
April 2015
One of two member delegation to present on the 60’s Scoop at the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York.

Special Standing Committee on the Status of Women -Federal Government – Ottawa
February 2015
Testified at the Special Standing Committee on the Status of Women about violence against Indigenous women and girls in Canada.

International Visitors Leadership Program
United States Consulate
January 2015- February 2015
One of six Canadian leaders chosen to participate in the First Nations Governance program through the United States Consulates across Canada.

Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba- Special Meeting with the United States Ambassador Bruce Heyman
Community Representative
June 2014
Requested to meet as a community representative to provide insight into the most pressing issues for Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

Board of Governors Red River College
Board Member
2012- ongoing
Serve as a board Member of Red River College’s Board of Governors.

Manitoba Gambling Research Council
Committee Member
July 2011- ongoing
Serve as a committee member supporting the advancement of responsible gaming programs and problem gambling treatment and prevention in the Province of Manitoba.

Social Planning Council of Winnipeg
President
July 2011 – Ongoing
Serve as Chair of the board to support improving the living standards and quality of life for Winnipeg residents.

PUBLICATIONS

Gazan, L. (2014). Transforming Unity: An Interview with Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Derek Nepinak. In The Kino-nda-niimi Collective (Eds.), The Winter We Danced (pp.83-91). Winnipeg, Manitoba: ARP Books.

Gazan, L. (2014).”Waking Up To The Beauty”: An Interview with Chickadee Richard. In The Kino-nda-niimi Collective (Eds.), The Winter We Danced (pp.133-137). Winnipeg, Manitoba: ARP Books.

Gazan, L. (2014). “TheMegaphone Girl”: An Interview with Jenna (Liiciious) Wirch. In The Kino-nda-niimi Collective (Eds.), The Winter We Danced (pp.168-171). Winnipeg, Manitoba: ARP Books.

Gazan,L. & Swan Shannacappo, M. (2013). Developing Meaningful Partnerships Between Universities and Aboriginal Leadership. In Laura Sokal and Ken McCluskey (Eds), Community Connections: Reaching Out From the Ivory Tower (pp. 74-81). Canada: The International Centre for Innovation in Education.

Gazan, L. (2010). Aboriginal Pedagogies: Supporting Culturally Relevant and Culturally Inclusive Educational Practice. M.A.S.S. Journal, Fall, 14-17.

Lamoureux, K. , McCluskey, Ken W., Wiebe, A., Baker, Philip A. (Eds). (2008). Mentoring in a Canadian Context (pp. ). Winnipeg, Manitoba: The Institute of Urban Studies.