Born in Wetaskiwin and raised in Ponoka until the age of 18, Dr. Margo Greenwood was appointed as an independent Senator last week, filling a vacancy for British Columbia.
Greenwood is an internationally recognized and highly respected Indigenous scholar of Cree ancestry. She is a researcher, author, and mother with over 30 years of experience focused on the health and well-being of Indigenous children, families, and communities. She is an Officer of the Order of Canada and has received many awards for her academic, community, and advocacy work.
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Greenwood has worked at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) since 1997. She is a full professor in UNBC’S Education Program and the academic leader of the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health, hosted by UNBC. In June 2022, she was appointed interim scientific director of the Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health (IIPH) with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The IIPH is also hosted by UNBC.
“I am honoured to be appointed as a Senator and look forward to contributing to the work of the Senate in an independent and non-partisan way,” said Greenwood in a press release.
“My contribution to the Senate is grounded in my commitment to the health and well-being of all people, including Indigenous children and families. I’m proud to bring all of my lived experience to this work.”
Over her career, Greenwood has held numerous leadership roles with health, policy, and research institutes, including site director for the Centre of Excellence for Children and Adolescents with Special Needs; leader of the Aboriginal stream of the ActNow BC initiative; and vice-president of Indigenous health for the Northern Health Authority of British Columbia. Greenwood’s career has also included working as an early learning instructor and administrator with colleges and schools across Canada, as well as with the Meadow Lake Tribal Council.
Greenwood serves on the boards of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia and the British Columbia Patient Safety and Quality Council. She has led, and lent expertise to, the development of social policies and programs provincially, nationally, and internationally. Greenwood has published numerous books and refereed works on health, education, social work, and Indigenous studies.
Greenwood is an Officer of the Order of Canada and the recipient of many distinctions, including the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal for her work with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children in early childhood; the Perry Shawana Leadership and Advocacy Award from the British Columbia Aboriginal Child Care Society; the National Aboriginal Achievement Award (now Indspire Award) for Education from the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation; and the Confederation of University Faculty Associations of British Columbia’s Academic of the Year Award.
Greenwood holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta, a Master of Arts degree from the School of Child and Youth Care at the University of Victoria, and a Ph.D. in Education from the University of British Columbia. She resides in Vernon, British Columbia.
Senators are recommended by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments and chosen using the merit-based process open to all Canadians.