Thohahoken Michael Doxtater

Thohahoken Michael Doxtater is an Associate Professor and Director of Saagajiwe Education at the School of Image Arts, Toronto Metropolitan University. He holds a BA, MSc, and PhD from McMaster University and Cornell University. With a national and international profile, he has served as a senior communications specialist, producing award-winning documentaries and dramas for academic and public audiences. Previously, he led the National Film Board’s Studio One and contributed to PBS and CBC productions. He has held executive roles at Ontario’s Indigenous Institutes and advised Canadian government bodies including the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP), the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), Health Canada, and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). His expertise extends to conflict resolution and mediation in high-profile Indigenous land disputes such as Oka, Tutelo Heights, Red Hill Valley, Eagles Nest, and Caledonia.

Doxtater’s work bridges Indigenous cultural expression, media production, and policy advocacy. His research and creative projects emphasize Indigenous storytelling through film and digital media, aiming to foster cross-cultural dialogue and reconciliation. He has collaborated with Indigenous communities to document histories and contemporary struggles, positioning media as a tool for social change.

As Director of Saagajiwe Education, he oversees initiatives integrating Indigenous knowledge systems into academic and creative programming. His leadership in government and institutional roles highlights his commitment to advancing Indigenous rights through communication strategies and policy development.