Tina Fraser

Dr. Tina Fraser is a full Professor and Chair of the School of Education at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). She is the first female and Indigenous Chair in this role. She holds adjunct appointments in the School of Nursing and the Department of First Nations Studies. Originally from Aotearoa (New Zealand), Dr. Fraser is of Māori descent with tribal affiliations to Ngāti Haka/Patuheuheu, Ngāti Koura, Ngāti Pani (Tūhoe Nation), and Ngāti Ranginui.

Her academic background includes a PhD in Educational Studies from the University of British Columbia and an MEd in Educational Leadership and Administration from Simon Fraser University. She also has professional experience in nursing and early childhood education.

Dr. Fraser’s research centers on Indigenous knowledge systems, particularly Mātauranga Māori, First Nations and global Indigenous knowledges, and the application of Indigenous methodologies in education and health. She explores mindfulness through Indigenous practices, Indigenous technology in education, and decolonizing research frameworks. Her work emphasizes cultural representation and equity in post-secondary institutions.

Her recent publications reflect a strong focus on qualitative methods, Indigenous leadership, and cultural frameworks in academia. These works contribute to transformative pedagogy and community-based research across international contexts.

• Fellow of Te Mata Ō Te Tau (The Academy for Research and Scholarship at Massey University)
• Associate Fellow/Adjunct at Te Wānanga ō Awanuiarangi, New Zealand

Dr. Fraser actively supervises graduate students and practitioners, particularly in the He Waka Hiringa Applied Indigenous Knowledge Masters program at Te Wānanga ō Aotearoa. She serves as an external examiner for theses written in Te Reo Māori and participates in academic governance in New Zealand. She has led provincial, national, and international research initiatives, including roles as Research Manager for ActNow BC Initiatives and Cultural Advisor to several health and research centers in Canada.

She is also a co-editor of the influential volume Living Indigenous Leadership and continues to publish in leading journals such as the International Journal of Qualitative Methods. Her leadership extends to advisory boards and cross-institutional collaborations that advance Indigenous scholarship globally.