Marie Nightbird

Marie Nightbird is an Associate Professor of Teaching and Chair of the Indigenous Program Committee at the University of British Columbia's School of Social Work, part of the Faculty of Arts. She specializes in Indigenous-focused social work, clinical social work, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. Marie holds a Master of Social Work from UBC, a Bachelor of Social Work from UVIC, and a Social Service Worker Certificate from Camosun College. Her career spans over three decades in social work, with a focus on Indigenous healing, wellness, and advocacy for Indigenous social workers.

Marie teaches in UBC's BSW and MSW programs, emphasizing Indigenous-focused courses, interpersonal communication, and field placements. She advises Indigenous students and leads initiatives advancing reconciliation, Indigenization, and decolonization in social work education. Prior roles include Education Coordinator at the Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health, Aboriginal Student Community Learning Experience Coordinator, and counsellor in UBC's Counselling Services.

Her practice includes private clinical social work with residential school survivors and involvement in Truth and Reconciliation Commission events. Marie’s work integrates decolonial frameworks into social work education, aiming to strengthen Indigenous pathways in the profession.