Asma-na-hi Antoine

I became involved with Ashoka Canada Indigenous Advisory because I saw this as an opportunity to share knowledge but to also learn more about social innovation from the team. I believe in reciprocity, and the work that I put out, I hope in turn to benefit not just for myself personally, but those I work with and for my children’s future.

Asma-na-hi Antoine is from Toquaht Nation of the Nuu-chah-nulth lands and has resided in Lekwungen (Songhees) and Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) traditional lands (Victoria, B.C.). Asma-na-hi is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Theory and Practice at Simon Fraser University.  She has a Master of Education in Psychology and Leadership Studies specializing in Indigenous Community Counseling as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care with a Minor in Indigenous Studies, both from the University of Victoria. Asma-na-hi is currently on a partial sabbatical from her position as Director of Indigenous Relations at Royal Roads University. She continues to utilize her variety of skills within academic institutions and other non-profit Indigenous organizations as an Indigenous counselor, family counselor, and a career adviser. She lives and works with a strong foundation of Indigenous ways of knowing that is used in how she communicates, trains, and facilitates teachings about reconciliation, decolonization, the history and current lives of Indigenous people. She walks between two worlds: Indigenous and non-Indigenous and recognizes the need to build and sustain a culturally safe place for all.