Michael Lickers

Dr. Michael Lickers is a well-known Mohawk educator from Six Nations of the Grand River. Michael is a Senior Advisor of Indigenous Relations for Suncor Energy. Founder and past Executive Director of the Ghost River Rediscovery program, Michael has over 30 years of experience in leadership, cultural outdoor education, community development, and youth leadership development. Michael is well-recognized for his knowledge and works with Indigenous peoples in Canada and internationally, he is continuously engaged in presentations, training seminars, and conferences.

Michael holds a Master’s in Leadership and Training (MALT) and a Doctor of Social Sciences (D.Soc.Sci.) from Royal Roads University with a focus on Indigenous Youth Leadership Development. Michael is the author of “Urban Aboriginal Leadership: The Delicate Dance Between Two Worlds,” and has published several articles on Indigenous epistemology, Indigenous youth leadership, international youth programs, non-profit management, community development, and Indigenous methodology.

Michael currently teaches at Royal Roads University in the School of Leadership (MAL) and Interdisciplinary Studies (Global Indigenous Ways of Knowing), serves as the Indigenous Scholar in Residence, and is currently assisting in the development of the MA in Climate Action Leadership in the School of Environment and Sustainability. Michael has previously taught courses at the University of Calgary (Werklund School of Education and International Indigenous Studies: Indigenous Knowledge Land Based Course) and St. Mary’s University (Introduction to Indigenous Studies and Indigenous Ways of Knowing – Cultural field course).

Michael brings a unique combination of rigorous professionalism, a wide program development, including International teaching and work, outdoor education, cultural education, and leadership experience, grounded in traditional cultural teachings.