Nancy Stevens

Nancy Stevens is Associate Professor and Chair of First Nations Studies in the Faculty of Indigenous Studies, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). She holds a PhD in Indigenous Studies from Trent University, an MEd in Adult Education – Indigenous Specialization from OISE/University of Toronto, and a BA in Social Development Studies – Social Work stream from the University of Waterloo.

• PhD, Indigenous Studies – Trent University
• MEd, Adult Education (Indigenous Specialization) – Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto
• BA, Social Development Studies (Social Work stream) – University of Waterloo

Her research centers on Indigenous mental health and wellness, culturally safe helping practices, and the impacts of colonization on Indigenous individuals and communities. With a strong focus on identity, trauma, and healing, Dr. Stevens integrates Anishinaabe teachings into her scholarship and practice. Her expertise includes Indigenous women’s issues, intimate partner and sexual violence, social work in Indigenous contexts, and decolonizing educational and health systems.

Her recent publications reflect a consistent trajectory in culturally grounded healing, reconciliation in academia, and support for Indigenous youth in care. She has developed training modules and curricula for frontline workers, educators, and administrators, emphasizing Indigenous worldviews and decolonizing approaches. Her work often bridges academic research with community-based applications.

Dr. Stevens is actively involved in knowledge translation, having produced training manuals, orientation modules, and reports for organizations such as the First Peoples Wellness Circle, Assembly of First Nations, and Ontario Tech University. She supervises MA students in First Nations Studies and is available as a media expert on Indigenous mental health and decolonizing practices.

Her leadership includes curriculum development for culturally-based crisis debriefing, wellness frameworks, and staff training on colonial disruptions in clinical settings. She has collaborated extensively with Indigenous communities and service organizations to ensure culturally appropriate and trauma-informed care.