Alberta Teachers' Association
Indigenous Education Council
Meet the Executive
Elder Advisor
Philip Campiou
Phillip Campiou is a Traditional Woodland Cree who is originally from Driftpile Cree Nation, Alberta. He now resides in the Onoway area. As a young man, his father taught Phillip how to be self-sufficient and live off the land. Inherent in these teachings was an unwavering respect for Mother Earth and the spirituality held by all Her inhabitants. As an adult, Phillip has devoted his life to sharing his knowledge of traditional values and lifestyle. He is often contracted to do numerous presentations in Edmonton and surrounding areas. He is invited to help host many traditional and community events across Canada. Phillip is actively involved in teaching holistic approaches to health and healing.
Elder Phillip works with many school divisions and organizations across the province to share his knowledge and to encourage healthy relationships with all people.
President
Omarla Cooke
I, Omarla Cooke, currently work for the Grande Prairie Catholic School District as the Indigenous Education Team Lead/Indigenous High School Success Coach, and I teach Indigenous Studies for future educators at Northwestern Polytechnic. This role has been a blessing and a passion, leading me to many places and, more importantly, opportunities to listen and learn from Elders and Knowledge Keepers. Education is a powerful tool; this belief was instilled in me by my grandmother, Louise English, and my mother, Loretta Parenteau-English. Because of this, I embarked on my educational journey, which led me to achieving my Master’s degree in Educational Leadership.
As the current ATA Indigenous Education Council President, I strive to bring authentic Indigenous teaching and learning opportunities to ATA members and all who work within the education system. Growing up surrounded by cultural practices, I recognize how this part of my identity helped shape and continues to guide my path on Earth. Culture has shaped both my personal and professional goals.
As a proud mother of four beautiful children, I have had the privilege of learning from them in ways I deeply appreciate. Knowing that all children live, learn, and grow differently has been a strong reminder of the Blackfoot teachings of inclusion and relationships. I am often heard sharing my philosophy that “our differences are what unite us,” because I strongly believe that everyone has a gift to share with the world—and that is what makes our world a better place.
Secretary
Mya Young
Mya is originally from Stephenville, NF, and is currently a teacher on Treaty 8 territory. She has completed her M.Ed in Curriculum and Learning Studies with a focus on Indigenous and Place-Based Education. She works with grade two students in Fort McMurray Catholic Schools and is passionate about supporting learning for First Nation, Inuit, and Metis students, as well as working towards decolonizing the curriculum for all children. Mya loves spending time out on the land, especially kayaking on the waters around Fort McMurray.
Treasurer & Past President
Glenda Viney
Glenda was born in Treaty 7 territory and grew up in Treaty 6 territory. She is a mother to two young adults -Austin & Abigail! Currently she is teaching with Edmonton Public Schools at LY Cairns School. Her thirty year journey in the field of education as a teacher, public servant and consultant has been filled with enriching experiences and amazing people. Glenda is passionate about being an ally, sharing resources with educators, reconciliation and learning something new every day. She understands and wholeheartedly accepts her responsibility as a treaty person.
Communications Manager
Shelagh McCracken
Shelagh is a settler who grew up in a small town in Northern BC where bears roam, salmon spawn and life remains pretty simple. This land was originally the land of Lake Babine Nation. Shelagh supports Indigenous students in teaches Mohkinstis (Calgary). Currently she LOVES to play pickleball, bike, ski and play golf.
Shelagh is grateful for learning received from Elders, Knowledge Keepers and the IEC executive. She looks forward to working with the council to share with IEC members across Alberta.
Social Media Co-ordinator
Abigail Thiel
Abigail Thiel is an educator and advocate working to build bridges between classrooms and communities. She is the Social Media Coordinator for the Indigenous Education Council with the Alberta Teachers’ Association and a second-year Interactions teacher with Edmonton Public Schools.
Abigail is deeply passionate about promoting Indigenous education, equity, and allyship. She believes in the power of education to inspire empathy, awareness, and lasting change. As this is her first year on the council she is excited to work together with this wonderful team and foster community across Alberta with others who are passionate about Indigenous education.
Treaty 8 Rep
Lynn Alexander
I am a Mi'kmaq person who is originally from Newfoundland. I was adopted as a baby and while my adoptive parents supported my Indigenous identity, I continue to seek deeper connections to my heritage and the diverse ways of knowing and being that shape it. I have spent my life on a journey of cultural reclamation, acceptance, and understanding. While my adoptive parents supported my Indigenous identity, I continue to seek deeper connections to my heritage and the diverse ways of knowing and being that shape it.
For nearly two decades, I’ve been an active member of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, serving on both the Teacher Welfare Committee (TWC) and the Negotiating Sub-Committee (NSC). Through this work, I’ve consistently advocated for strong public education systems and teacher autonomy, believing that empowered educators are essential to meaningful learning.
Over the past 25 years of teaching in Alberta, I’ve grown both professionally and personally. I hold a master’s degree in reading, writing, and curriculum, with a focus on Indigenous land-based learning. My work is rooted in a commitment to understand others better, challenge colonial narratives, and debunk inaccuracies about Indigenous histories. I strive to create inclusive spaces where people feel safe being themselves and where diverse perspectives are honoured.
ATA Staff Advisor
Stacey Hannay
Stacey Hannay holds a PhD, with her studies leading her to develop expertise in curriculum theorization and teacher professional development. She joined the Professional Development staff of the Alberta Teachers’ Association in 2024. Stacey has worked for Edmonton Public Schools as a teacher and school leader and previously served on the ATA Health and Physical Education Council Executive Committee as Vice-President (Leadership, Curriculum and Pedagogy). Her research interests include perspectives on curriculum and its implementation, pedagogical methods, inquiry strategies, physical and health education, land-based learning, and K-12 teacher education in the areas of wellness and holistic school health.
Provincial Executive Council Liaison
Greg Jeffery
Greg is a junior high teacher with 33 years teaching band and mathematics in Fort Saskatchewan Alberta. He was first elected to Provincial Executive Council of the Alberta Teachers' Association in 2003. Greg served 4 years as Vice President of the ATA and then 2 years as its President. He currently is on Provincial Executive Council as the Past President.