New Instructor Profile: Jamie Lerat
Jamie Lerat is a néhiyaw-anishinnabe iskwew (Cree-Saulteaux woman), a member of Cowessess First Nation, and the daughter of a residential school survivor and a late Métis-Michif father. She is a passionate advocate for Indigenous entrepreneurship and dedicated to advancing Economic Reconciliation by empowering Indigenous suppliers, contractors, and businesses.
With over 14 years of experience integrating Indigenous perspectives into corporate strategy, Jamie has chaired an internal Aboriginal Advisory Network to influence the corporate scorecard. She has also spent over 13 years enhancing Indigenous education at divisional and provincial levels, working alongside ministries, board trustees, and other key stakeholders.
Her marketing expertise extends to design, printing, signage, and corporate gifts, all grounded in Indigenous perspectives. Jamie has also played a pivotal role in embedding Indigenous themes into the annual Canadian Western Agribition event as a stakeholder engagement lead and event strategist. Additionally, she contributed to two local events with Canada Post for the unveiling of three Indigenous-themed stamps, which events were held in Regina, Fort Qu’Appelle, and Winnipeg.
In her consultative work, Jamie supports individuals, professionals, and organizations in their strategic planning for truth and reconciliation journeys.
5 Questions with Jamie Lerat
What made you want to become a professional development instructor?
The opportunity to advance Empowerment and Advocacy, allowing me to provide an Indigenous perspective, to share knowledge about experiences, empower learners, and advocate for Indigenous perspectives in professional settings.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Trust your voice: Your female Indigenous perspective is valuable, and unique.
Do not hesitate to speak up, share and advocate: Your voice has the power to inspire and contribute to change. Embrace life-long learning: Pursue and embrace every opportunity through formal or informal education.
Network and build relationships: Specifically Indigenous relationships through community members, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Old Ones, leaders, mentors, and peers.
What is the most important thing you teach your students?
Stay authentic and respectful of the values, knowledge, traditions, and world views that Indigenous peoples contribute to the conversation.
What is your favourite part of being an instructor?
The opportunity to emphasize the importance of knowledge sharing, mentorship, and passing down wisdom. This passion is deeply rooted in my Cree-Metis cultural traditions, where the role of a mentor or teacher is highly respected. By fostering education and growth I believe I contribute to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for future Indigenous professionals, particularly in areas where Indigenous voices have been underrepresented, ignored or forgotten.
Learn more about the courses that Jamie is currently teaching.
If you had a career-oriented tag line or slogan, what would it be?
Education, a powerful tool for social and economic empowerment.
Banner photo credit: University of Regina