Jeanien Cooper
Inspire Labrador Program Instructor
Jeanien is an an Inuk educator, artist, advocate, and community leader of mixed Inuit and Qallunat heritage. She was raised in North West River, Labrador on the land, water, and ice of Nitassinan - the traditional territories of the Innu First Nation and her Nunatsiavumiut Inuit Ancestors. She recently returned to Labrador, after spending 17 years on Treaty 6 & Treaty 7 – the traditional homes First Nations and Métis peoples of Alberta. Jeanien serves as AngajukKâk of the Inuit Edmontonmiut Community, is the Co-Director/Co-Founder of the Inuit Community Development and Education Foundation, Chair of Indigenous Studies at NorQuest College, and is a recent member of the Métis Women’s Council on Economic Security.
Jeanien has lived her life immersed in the traditional land-based community centered ways of her Inuit Ancestors and is guided by Inuit Maligait & Qaujimajatuqangit principles. Jeanien uses her experience of walking in two worlds to provide support, guidance and direction to Indigenous students navigating and transforming settler colonial institutions. She supports young people to reach their goals by applying their unique lived experiences to uplift their families, and communities, ensuring an increasingly just and equitable future for all.