Janice Makokis

Janice Makokis

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Edmonton, Alberta

Indigenous Rights Advocate | Legal Scholar | Consultant

Janice Makokis is an Indigenous Legal Rights Scholar, Advocate and Consultant. Janice Makokis currently holds a joint position between the Yellowhead Tribal Council and the Faculty of Extension (University of Alberta) as an Indigenous Relations/Policy Advisor/Faculty Instructor and works to develop curriculum/programming within the Faculty’s Indigenous programs. Janice Makokis currently works at Onion Lake Cree Nation as an advisor and teaches Indigenous studies, Indigenous Law and governance courses.

JANICE MAKOKIS BIOGRAPHY

Janice Makokis is a dynamic nehiyaw iskwew (Cree woman) who is making waves in the world of Indigenous legal scholarship and advocacy. She was born and raised in Saddle Lake Cree Nation in Treaty 6 territory, Alberta, Canada and comes from a family of residential school survivors. As a result, Janice is driven by a deep commitment to addressing the intergenerational trauma caused by residential schools and works daily to create a better future for her community and her son, Atayoh Kan Asiniy (Spirit Rock) Makokis. Through her work, Janice Makokis assists both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in breaking down stereotypes and identifying colonial systems of the past and present that have shaped the outcomes for First Nation communities. She has dedicated her career and her life to her people and focuses on educating others on the truth of our history, to guide us all toward Reconciliation.

Being an Indigenous woman from a segregated and marginalized community in Northern Alberta, Janice Makokis faced many challenges in and outside of her youth, education, and career. Her brother, Dr James Makokis, who was often bullied as a youth due to his identifying as Two-Spirit, led to Janice also experiencing challenges within and outside of her peer groups. Once Janice went on to pursue her education, she was able to identify rampant discrimination based on race and gender. It was during her education that she and her brother James decided to utilize their struggles and challenge themselves to create and change outcomes for her people. Janice Makokis is a gifted educator and legal scholar, who was appointed the Ianni Legal Scholar in 2021 at Windsor Law School, where she teaches courses on First Nation Women and the Law and Indigenous Laws and Legal Orders. She is also a sessional faculty member at the University of Alberta, Yellowhead Tribal College, and the University nuhelot’įne thaiyots’į nistameyimâkanak Blue Quills. Janice’s work on climate justice issues as part of the University of Alberta’s “Just Powers” research project, highlights her commitment to creating positive change.

Janice’s educational background and professional experience are truly impressive. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies (with a minor in Political Science) from the University of Alberta, a Master of Arts in Indigenous Governance from the University of Victoria, and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Ottawa. In addition to her academic and professional pursuits, Janice Makokis is a dedicated community member and cultural keeper. She has spent the past 15 years learning about Ncehiyaw (Cree) ways of being and the Indigenous laws from Elders and Indigenous knowledge keepers. She regularly participates in activities/education initiatives within her community while adopting her cultural beliefs and family systems to pass them down to her son. She believes that through cultural teachings, we can reshape our connection with ourselves, our relationships, and our planet.

Janice Makokis is currently working at the Onion Lake Cree Nation and is focused on Indigenous laws and legal orders. Indigenous laws and legal orders are the original laws of the land and were in existence prior to the imposition of western colonial laws and legal systems. The imposition of these laws has had a significant impact on Indigenous Peoples and Nations and has disrupted their governance structures. Janice Makokis is working towards reducing the number of Indigenous people who encounter the criminal justice system and reducing the number of Indigenous children in care. The governance of Onion Lake Cree Nation is unique, as all important Chief and Council decisions are vetted through their Elders Council. This idea of governance arose from concerns about high numbers of Onion Lake members and children meeting the court system. Janice plays an active role in providing strategic insights for the decisions made by the Elders Council is following the Creator’s laws, human laws, and laws in songs, ceremonies, and sacred sites, and working from a place of kindness.

Janice Makokis is also a co-producer of the film “Awasisak Our Future,” which tells the story of a group of treaty walkers and the importance of treaties for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. She serves as a board advisor for the Yellowhead Institute, an Indigenous-led research and education center in Toronto. Janice is a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights and self-determination. Throughout her career, she has been a rapporteur at international meetings and has served as the co-chair/co-coordinator on the North American Indigenous Peoples Caucus (NAIPC) from 2013-2016. She is dedicated to advancing the discourse on Indigenous People’s rights and is a strong voice in the fight for decolonization initiatives and cultural resurgence and revitalization efforts.

Janice Makokis continues to be involved in international and national Indigenous advocacy work through various international bodies and United Nations mechanisms to advance the discourse on Indigenous Peoples’ rights. She served as the co-chair/co-coordinator of the North American Indigenous Peoples Caucus (NAIPC) from 2013-2016—a voluntary Indigenous body that makes recommendations to the agenda items to be addressed by the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. She also played a major role in the Idle No More movement and has followed in her mother’s footsteps in connecting with Canadian Indigenous and non-Indigenous allies to support local and national movements to bring awareness to First Nation issues. Janice Makokis is a trailblazer and advocate for Indigenous rights who inspires us all. Her deep commitment to her community, culture, and family, her impressive academic and professional background, and her unwavering dedication to social justice, make her a true leader in the world of Indigenous legal scholarship and advocacy.

Videos

Podcasts

Play

Idle No More

SBC

National Day of Action, 'Unsettling Canada 150'

Janice Makokis Topic Presentations

truth and reconciliation and you

  • Virtual PresentationKeynote PresentationWorkshop SessionHalf Day TrainingFull Day Training
  • How does your organization adjust its policies and approaches to engender genuine partnerships with the Indigenous population? How can you continue to expand the TRC for years to come? Janice Makokis will customize her presentation to meet your specific needs and organizational goals. She will assess your initiatives, identify your responsibilities, and bridge the gap of understanding to enable you to spring to action for the Reconciliation of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Truth First. The Truth is important and learning the Truth is the first step toward reconciliation. Janice’s life work and presentations will leave your group with new understandings, perspectives, and commitments towards the advancement of First Nations peoples today and in the future.

    Janice Makokis takes us on a history lesson to understand the impacts of colonialism and the impacts that still live today. She brings awareness to the 94 TRC Calls to Action as a blueprint to commence the restoration for First Nation communities and Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island. Janice Makokis will use her experience as a lawyer and during her consulting for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to research your needs and create an action plan for success by creating allies that are educated and knowledgeable to be able to support Indigenous peoples towards reconciliation. Janice Makokis helps bridge the gap of understanding and inspires your group to take concrete steps towards genuine partnerships with the Indigenous population and expanding the TRC for years to come. We all have a role – individuals, professions, public servants and corporations. We all have a responsibility.

discovering the power of indigenous laws and legal orders - a path to reconciliation

breaking barriers - a journey to equity, diversity & inclusion

bridging history - an exploration of colonialism and its effects on indigenous peoples and western society

breaking the chains of colonialism - embracing indigenous-centered justice through restorative practices

creators law - revitalizing indigenous law for empowered and healed indigenous communities

building a bridge - relationships and alliances between western and indigenous peoples

indigenous roots, stronger families - embracing traditional parenting for community restoration

building community - a guide to transformative, ethical and community-driven leadership

indigenous sovereignty - a path to success

breaking the cycle of violence against indigenous women - the intersection of indigenous rights and women's rights

empowering teachers for indigenous students - a journey with janice makokis

the next generation - navigating identity, culture, and community

janice makokis' customized presentation topics

Testimonials

Thanks, Alberta lawyer Janice Makokis for testifying in Ottawa on idle no more

Linda Duncan

National Democratic Party of Canada

Such an inspirational presentation by the incredible idle no more leader Janice Makokis speaking on feminist advocacy and leadership. She has taught me what I can do today, to change myself, my friends, my colleagues and Canadian culture. Thank you for your wisdom, advice and educational FACTS.

Rick Thorson

Montana Medical Doctor

Articles & Media

3 Indigenous women challenge Alberta's mandatory oath to King amid lawsuit

CBC

Three Indigenous women aspiring to become lawyers in Alberta are challenging the King's Oath, because they say swearing an oath to the monarchy is modern colonialism. Janice Makokis, Rachel Snow and Anita Cardinal, who graduated from law school in 2010, 2013 and 2022 respectively, are unable to practise law, they say, until the mandatory oath one swears when called to the bar is amended, or an alternative oath is provided. "The oath is a trigger of intergenerational trauma for most Indigenous law students," Cardinal said. "It is a trigger for me." Provincial legislation requires that lawyers vow to "be faithful and bear true allegiance" to the reigning monarch, their heirs and successors....
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Alberta’s mandatory oath of allegiance is systemic discrimination

National Magazine

In September 2022, Anita Cardinal, Rachel Snow and Janice Makokis started a second lawsuit challenging the oath of allegiance. All three plaintiffs are Indigenous. Cardinal and Makokis are nêhiyaw (Cree) women from Nations in Treaty 8 and Treaty 6 territory. Snow is an Iyârhé Nakoda woman from a Nation in Treaty 7 territories. They take issue with swearing the oath of allegiance because it is inconsistent with their commitments to their respective beliefs, laws, lands and peoples. A second basis for their objection, as set out in their statement of claim, is that the sovereign “represents the head of the institution that colonized, removed [their] people from their traditional lands...
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Alberta faces pressure to drop requirement that lawyers swear oath to king

The Globe and Mail

Aspiring lawyers Anita Cardinal, Rachel Snow and Janice Makokis filed another lawsuit last September. The woman, who each represent one of the three treaties in the province, allege the oath requirement breaches their treaty rights and the Charter protections for freedom of conscience and religion. The Alberta government is defending the requirement in court, arguing the oath is symbolic and does not violate the Charter. The lawsuits were filed as Canadians, in larger parts, question the country’s ties to the British monarchy. A Leger poll, released last year, concluded most people did not agree with swearing an oath to the Queen. In Quebec, the legislature passed a law in December,...
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Decolonizing Christmas: family scraps holiday for Indigenous ceremony

CBC

It's been 20 years since Janice Makokis of Edmonton and her family have celebrated the Christmas season. There isn't a Christmas decoration to be found or carols playing in her home. In fact, Makokis's three-year-old son Atayoh hardly knows what Christmas is, albeit for the crafts and Rudolph songs he is learning at daycare. Now that Atayoh's curiosity is piqued, Makokis said she recently explained to him the reasons why they don't take part in the festivities. "I told him what Christmas is and that not everybody celebrates Christmas and it's OK," she said. "I think he understands. I tell him we have our own ways and others have theirs." Makokis, whose family is from the...
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How to book Janice Makokis for an event?

Janice Makokis keynote speaker is an expert presenter and has a wide range of experience speaking to a wide variety of audiences and organizations. Janice Makokis delivers keynotes, workshops & training sessions. They may also host or emcee events. Hire Janice Makokis from Edmonton, Alberta for your event to inspire the audience to take action and make change in their work and their lives. Your workplace will benefit from our keynote speaker and their keynote talks and speeches will shift the mindsets or behaviours for the audience members in Canada. 

Interested in booking Janice Makokis for an event?

Are you looking to hire Janice Makokis for your event? Janice Makokis Edmonton, Alberta is a dynamic and engaging speaker that offers audiences researched content paired with expertise and a dynamic speaking ability. Janice Makokis is also a Canadian corporate consultant and coach and facilitates workshops and training sessions for a corporate audience. Janice Makokis is an expert keynote presenter and speaks on wide variety of topics. Hiring a great speaker for your event is important and working with a thought leader like Janice Makokis from Speakers Canada's roster will engage audiences into the content of the presentation to bring awareness and a fresh perspective for their approach to their work and their lives. Book Janice Makokis to educate, motivate and activate the audience through an interactive and entertaining presentation at corporate meetings and gatherings.

Known as a popular key note speaker in Canada, Janice Makokis creates life changing experiences for the participants with practical insights and strategic advice they can implement right after the session. Working with a one our leading expert speaker like Janice Makokis from Edmonton, Alberta offers organizations a fresh perspective to assist the people of the organization. No matter if it is a government, association, or business crowd, Janice Makokis is a perfect speaker for your event. Through unique practical insights for trending topics and years experience speaking to different organizations, Janice Makokis focuses on changing individuals to make better decisions at work and their lives. No matter if you are holding an in person or virtual event, having an influential speaker such as Janice Makokis will engage, motivate, and activate the audience to make a change in their lives and inspire action for results to meet organizational goals. Your workforce will benefit from Janice Makokis's presentations and speeches, with measurable results set to shift the people of the organization and core direction of the company. Book Janice Makokis speaker for your annual general meeting, conference, summit, or convention in Canada.

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Janice Makokis is an expert professional key note speaker with a lot of experience speaking and delivering engaging talks to organizations and audiences in Canada. Each of Speaker Bureau Canada's talent have different ways to assess their fees, and Janice Makokis speaker fee ranges depending on the size of the audience, event format (in person or virtual), event location, and if the organization booking them is a non profit, association, government department/government agency or business/corporation. The speakers we work with are flexible with their fees, and it is important for us to learn more about your event before we approach them, as it is our role to work for you, and to help you find a speaker within budget. 

Please contact Speakers Bureau of Canada and provide us with your event details so that we can contact Janice Makokis to check availability or confirm the pricing and associated costs to hire a great speaker like Janice Makokis for your event. As Janice Makokis's agent and as a Canadian top speaker bureau and talent agency for speakers, we are able to propose each event opportunity from each host organization's behalf to try to help you get in touch with Janice Makokis and confirm them for your in person or online meeting/event. We can also provide and advise on the booking process and potentially negotiate their fee. Speakers Canada is a client focused speaker agency, and we work for you in finding good speakers for your team meetings and booking processes.

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When SBC receives a request to book Janice Makokis we provide you with their speaker fees, travel costs and check their schedules. We work closely with the host organization's event planning team and the speaker to handle the logistics and to relay or negotiate associated costs. Our talented team members then will work with our talent directly or their agent/manager/assistant to confirm the Canadian speaker fee and travel expenses, so that event planning teams can receive an official quote for the speaker appearing at the event. Speaker fees and travel costs vary per speaker and our role is to contact Janice Makokis about your event, after we have connected with the event organizers to learn all the event details and/or conference program. Each booking request is unique since session durations and audience sizes can vary which may affect the speaker's fees. If you are looking to hire Janice Makokis, we recommend filling out the booking request form so a booking agent from Speakers Bureau Canada can get in touch with our talent to help you coordinate with your team to engage the speaker for a successful event.