Michael Hart

Position: Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement

Dr. Michael Hart is the vice-provost (Indigenous engagement). He was appointed for a five-year term (renewable), effective June 1, 2018.  

He serves as a key champion and advocate for the Indigenous Strategy, ii’ taa’poh’to’p, at the University of Calgary, which was formally launched on Nov. 16, 2017. Dr. Hart is a strong and visible role model for everyone, but in particular for UCalgary Indigenous scholars and students.

Michael Anthony Hart is a citizen of Fisher River Cree Nation. As a father of two teenage boys who are exploring the world and figuring out how to reach their dreams, he sees the need for and is deeply committed to, creating greater opportunities for Indigenous people. While he spent much time on reserve with his grandparents and extended family, he was raised in Winnipeg at a time when the population of Indigenous peoples was small and stereotypes of the people were numerous.

He personally understands the challenges that come with such a context, but also knows and supports the resurgence of Indigenous ways of being and knowing. His life’s work has focused on providing support and direction to his sons, creating space for people to reach their dreams and deepening his understandings of Indigenous ways of life in today’s context.

Michael has been supported throughout his life journey with the guidance of Elders from various nations and has spent several decades learning about his own peoples' traditional values, beliefs and practices.

Dr. Hart’s career has been focused on Indigenous Peoples and ways of helping that will enable the University of Calgary to realize its goals for indigenization on its campuses. His approach is about connecting with and learning from Indigenous Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers to explore how these philosophies can guide us, transcend boundaries and take incremental steps to change the conversation between different cultures.

Since 2012, Dr. Hart has held a Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Knowledges and Social Work through the University of Manitoba. He has also held the role of acting director of the Master of Social Work in Indigenous Knowledges program at the University of Manitoba.

For the past 17 years, he has been a board member for the Aboriginal Social Workers’ Society in Manitoba and was a founding committee member. His work has spanned across Canada, including Manitoba, Quebec and Yukon.

Hart holds a BSW, MSW and PhD in Social Work from the University of Manitoba, as well as a BA in Psychology from the University of Manitoba.

Among a number of accountabilities in his role, Dr. Hart strives to: build meaningful partnerships and collaborations with faculties, units and Indigenous communities in Alberta; foster mentorship, research and scholarships and support services for Indigenous students, faculty and staff; and design, develop and implement relevant programming for non-Indigenous students and campus community members.