Mark Dockstator, Ph. D., President
First Nations University of Canada

Dr. Mark S. Dockstator is a member of the Oneida Nation of the Thames and currently the President of the First Nations University of Canada. Celebrating their 40th Anniversary this year, the First Nations University was one of the first Indigenous-controlled post-secondary institutions in Canada. Created in direct response to the experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Residential Schools, First Nations University represents the desires of Indigenous communities to build a path toward reconciliation through education, relationship-building and support for the resurgence of Indigenous cultures, languages and Indigenous knowledge.

Dr. Dockstator’s education and experience has well-equipped him to lead First Nations University in this era of reconciliation. In 1994, he became the first…First Nations person to graduate with a doctorate in law. His dissertation, entitled “Toward an Understanding of Aboriginal Self Government,” was one of the first academic papers to blend Indigenous and Western knowledge systems utilizing the Teachings of Elders and Traditional knowledge holders.

His academic career includes his experience as an Associate Professor of Indigenous Studies at Trent University, where he has also served as Departmental Chair and Director of the PhD program. He has a specific research expertise in Indigenous issues, and has served as Principal Investigator on an array of national and regional research projects in Indigenous health, treaties, Indigenous languages and culture, education, and economic development, among others.

Additionally, Dr. Dockstator has served as founding Chair of the First Nations Statistical Institute, Senior Negotiator and Researcher for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, President and CEO of Rama Economic Development Corporation, Special Advisor to the Royal Commission on Aboriginal People and Special Advisor to the Chief Commissioner of the Indian Land Claims Commission, to name a few.