With 25 years of experience supporting Indigenous women and youth, Lisa Higgerty, Bachelor of Arts ’11, is channelling her passion into Alumni support for current and future Indigenous students.

The assistant deputy minister of Indigenous health for the Government of Alberta spent over two decades working with the Hinton Friendship Centre in improving the lives of urban Indigenous populations, and has now joined MacEwan’s Alumni Advisory Council (AAC), and shares her goals for her tenure in the role.

How do you bring the holistic approach you’ve taken throughout your career to your role as assistant deputy minister of Indigenous health?

Collaboration across divisions and ministries is essential, and a holistic approach – one that considers physical, mental, social and cultural aspects – is key to creating lasting change. Indigenous health, in particular, benefits from culturally informed and community-driven initiatives, but integrating these with broader health-care supports leads to more comprehensive and sustainable improvements. I find deep fulfillment in helping others and being actively engaged in my community. Serving those around me is a true passion, and working alongside such inspiring and dedicated individuals makes this journey even more rewarding. 

Your background is in providing opportunities for holistic healing to residential school survivors. How do you take care of your own mental health when processing such a sensitive and emotional topic?

I make it a priority each day to create space for myself – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. I actively work on maintaining balance in all areas of my well-being, recognizing that personal health is essential not only for my own resilience but also for creating a healthy and supportive environment for those around me.

You’ve chaired numerous working groups and councils that are champions of Indigenous and Métis women. Can you share a bit about those experiences?

I’m grateful for the opportunities that have come my way and the support I’ve received, especially from other Indigenous women who have walked alongside me on this journey. Creating opportunities is never a solo effort; it takes a community working together to uplift one another and drive meaningful change. I feel truly fortunate to have been guided, supported and inspired by so many along the way.

How do you spend your spare time?

I enjoy spending time with my family and staying active through activities like biking, running and hiking. I am also an avid fan of the Oilers and the Blue Jays.

Do you have a favourite memory of your time at MacEwan?

I have so many great memories. One of my favourites is the time I spent in Dr. William Thompson’s English classes. He had a remarkable way of bringing the material to life – every lesson was engaging, thought-provoking and inclusive. I always felt seen and heard in his classroom, which made the learning experience all the more meaningful.

Do you have any specific goals for your time as an AAC member? 

The path of education and personal growth can be difficult, especially when it means distancing yourself from the people, places and traditions that provide your foundation. There is great strength in balancing learning and growth with staying true to your identity, and then using that knowledge to support and empower your community. MacEwan’s welcoming environment creates a sense of belonging that is especially meaningful for Indigenous learners.