Earl Henderson

Earl Henderson is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of First Nations Studies at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), where he contributes to interdisciplinary education and research rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems. He is a respected Elder of Métis/Cree descent and serves as a cultural advisor, healer, and educator across academic, health, and justice institutions in British Columbia.

His research and professional interests center on traditional healing practices, cultural safety, and the integration of Indigenous worldviews into mainstream systems. He emphasizes the medicine wheel, sweat lodge, pipe ceremony, talking circles, and traditional medicines as holistic tools for wellness. His work addresses intergenerational trauma, particularly the impact of residential schools, and promotes cultural reconnection as a path to healing and identity formation.

Earl has been deeply involved in training programs for health professionals, educators, and correctional staff, delivering cultural competency workshops for organizations such as Northern Health, Carrier Sekani Family Services, and the Prince George Youth Custody Centre. He has also contributed to research initiatives including the Cedar Project, Métis Health (UBC), and Knowledge Translation at UNBC.

He has taught Indigenous counseling courses biannually in UNBC’s M.Ed. Counselling program and has helped develop curriculum that introduces health profession students to Aboriginal worldviews. His leadership extends to gang prevention through cultural engagement, notably via the Walk Tall Program and Tipi teaching workshops for at-risk youth.

Earl is actively involved in community healing, regularly conducting sweats and ceremonies, and continues to serve as a guiding Elder in research and education. His work exemplifies a lifelong commitment to cultural preservation, community wellness, and educational transformation.