Oki, Niistooakoka Apiihkwaikomotaa’kii, my grandfather Mookakin gifted me with this name when I was a toddler. My English name is, Terri-Lynn Fox. I come from the Many Children’s clan. My parents are Tony (Iihkitsika) and the late Teresa (O’taikimmakkii) Fox; my grandparents are the late Patrick (Mookakin) and Paula (Poonah) Weasel Head Sr., and the late George (Tsaatsi) and Margaret (Piiakii) Fox. I have five siblings, many nieces and nephews, and several great nieces and nephews.
I am blessed with four children, Ross, Courtney, Chate-Lane and Chondra. They have given me purpose; and I am a grandmother to seven beautiful souls, Ti’en, Tsisga, Scotty, Tasitsa, Kenneth, Tate and John.
I am from Kainaiwa, one of four Nations within the Blackfoot Confederacy; and I endeavour to practice our Siksikaitsitapi ways in my everyday reality.
My formal education consists of a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology; a Master’s degree in Sociology; and a Doctoral degree in Education. The majority of my research is on Indian Residential Schools and Siksikaitsitapi people; and I am both directly and indirectly affected by the Indian Residential School System, as a child of two Survivors, and as a survivor of Indian Day Schools.
My passion to deepen and strengthen collective healing is rooted in my personal, professional and academic experiences. I strive to incorporate the formal teachings of western thought and theory with the critical and foundational knowledge systems and teachings of Siksikaitsitapiipaitapiiyssin. Bridging these two worldviews will aid in both mainstream society and Siksikaitsitapi people’s path towards unity, equality, fairness and continued meaningful relationships as we walk a reconciliatory path.