About the WISA
Who We Are
A group of concerned students and alumni who wish to ensure Indigenous students at AU have a supportive, well-rounded educational experience. We work together with the values of relational accountability and consensus.
Each member has an equal voice and their skills, knowledge, lived experiences and vision to share are welcomed and honoured. Get to know us below.
Amanda Leeman
she/her
I am registered with the Métis Nation of Alberta, and have mixed heritage of Cree First Nations, Scottish, and Swiss-German. I work as a licensed practical nurse. From 2022-2025, I was enrolled part-time in the post-LPN bachelor of nursing program. Although I chose to step away from my university studies, I am grateful for the journey and the connections I made, especially with the Wîcihitowin Student Alliance.
I am passionate about raising awareness of Indigenous history and the systemic issues that continue to affect Indigenous communities. I strive to challenge racism and contribute to a meaningful, positive change.
Ashley Reimer she/they
I am a Métis student living in Edmonton, and completed my BPA in Human Services with Great Distinction at AU in 2026. I have a background in front-line social work roles, non-profits, privacy and government, with a lifelong passion for spiritual ecology, herbal medicines and social justice, a dreamer always looking around at Mother Earth or up at the stars and sky!
I am a member of the Otipemisiwak Métis Nation of Alberta. Now, as an alumni, I continue to be part of this group as I believe the commitments our institutions make hold them accountable. Supporting Indigenous students is a commitment that cannot be performative but must be met with genuine action!
Cindy Umble
she/her
My name is Cindy Umble, and I am a Métis student who holds a diploma from NorQuest College as an Interdisciplinary Therapy Assistant. After completing my diploma, I decided to return to school to pursue a Bachelor of Professional Arts, with the long-term goal of attending the University of Alberta to complete a master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology.
As an Indigenous student, finding spaces that foster belonging and shared understanding is deeply important to me. Being part of this group allows me to engage with others who share a passion for inclusiveness, collaboration, and meaningful communication. I look forward to making connections that help sustain safe spaces that honour Indigenous voices, experiences, and traditional values.
Cordelia Lyons she/they
Hello! tânisi! Dia daoibh!
I’m Cordelia. Cordelia nisikâson. Is mise Cordelia.
I live in Lac La Biche. Lac La Biche niwîkin. Ta me i mo chónaí Lac La Biche.
In this biography I’ve introduced myself in English, nêhiyawi (Cree) & Northern Michif, and as Gaeilge (Irish). My family hails from England, Ireland, Germany, France, Iceland, Bigstone Cree Nation, and Athabasca Landing Métis. I honor all aspects of my cultures and languages in my personal life, education, and career.
I have a background and do current work in digital media and management. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology at Athabasca Univeristy, and hold a Business Administration Diploma in Management from Portage College.
I hold passion for revitalizing culture and language and am on a journey of reconnecting with and safeguarding my heritage
Lexis Roy she/her
Hello/Tansi! My name is Lexis Roy, and I am a 4th year undergraduate student enrolled in the BSc undergraduate program. I grew up and currently reside on one of the eight Métis Settlements in Alberta - each of which are rooted in community and culture!
My love of interests includes learning about environmental protection and conservation, community enhancement and meeting new people and seeing new places. I’m excited to meet everyone on this journey, listen to everyone’s stories, and to foster a community of Indigenous excellence.
Molly Salter
she/they
Tansi! I'm Molly, I'm a member of the Métis Nation within Alberta. I hold a BA in Psychology and Anthropology from AU and currently work as a research assistant to Dr. Lana Ray, who conducts research focused on Traditional Healing Knowledge and Indigenous health justice.
Indigenous-specific spaces like WISA are essential in education, as they create places where Indigenous students can build connections and feel safe and heard without having to explain their experiences. I am also passionate about advancing 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion and honouring the wisdom of lived experience. I look forward to continuing to learn from and alongside the community.
Former students/alumni and allies
A diverse group of allies, former AU students and staff have joined our group, offering their ideas, resources and support to help advance a number of advocacy actions, including letter writing to the Minister of Advanced Education!
Open to new members
If you are a student with Athabasca University, alumni, or even an ally from another school, we are always open to new participation. We hope that as we graduate, new students will continue on and a large network of students, alumni and allies will support each other for years to come!
Our Story
In early 2024, the Athabasca University Students Union (AUSU) put out an open call for new members to join the Indigenous Circle (IC). The IC was an advocacy project supported by many dedicated students and staff who wished to see better representation for Indigenous students and ways to ensure that the issues Indigenous students face were taken seriously by the students' union and the university.
A few of us answered that call and joined the IC in the summer of 2024, as previous students were graduating and moving on. Our small but dedicated group met once a month or more to discuss the needs of Indigenous students, work on advocacy, and uplift the voices of Indigenous students. In our short time together, we published blogs, podcast episodes, helped review policies and organized a speakers' event which included Elmer Ghostkeeper and Benjamin Kucher. One member was chosen as the representative to the National Indigenous Advocacy Committee (NIAC), part of the Canadian Alliance of Students Associations (CASA) and acted as our voice regarding federal and provincial issues impacting Indigenous students.
We had many plans and hopes, including organizing and supporting peer mentorship, co-study and networking sessions, land-based and cultural gatherings supported by cultural teachers and Elders, and understanding the barriers Indigenous students face when applying for school and aiming to finish their courses, so that we could advocate for more comprehensive supports.
In January of 2025, the IC was dissolved by AUSU without explanation, alongside the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) committee and a number of other groups. Since then, we have continued to meet, both to hold them accountable and to continue visioning better supports for Indigenous students! Many organizations and institutions claim to be committed to reconciliation and decolonization, yet Indigenous students still experience many issues within the educational system, including a lack of meaningful consultation.
We believe students are powerful together and act as a collective, consensus-based group, always welcoming to new members, supporters and allies!