Betty Jean Bastien, Ph.D

Biography

Betty Bastien of the Blackfoot Confederacy. Director of Academic Programs Red Crow Community College (Kainai First Nation) Associate Professor Emeritus. University of Calgary Faculty of Social Work

 Dr. Bastien received her Ph.D. from the California Institute of Integral Studies - Traditional Knowledge Program. Her research explores traditional approaches to conflict resolution and learning as a means of seeking balance, premised on “knowing” through participatory and experiential processes. This work is a culmination of working with elders for over 25 years   in research, ceremony and language revitalization. Subsequently, her work maintains attention toward the holistic orientation to health, well-being, and environmental sustainability, core responsibilities in an Indigenous paradigm. It emphasizes the importance of continually integrating these approaches as an essential consideration for building an inclusive society. Betty has done international presentations with World Indigenous Peoples Education and Language Revitalization in Danzhai & Sandu Counties, China.  Publications include (2004) Blackfoot Ways of Knowing, University of Calgary Press. (2015) Sacred Science of Circles. Pelech, W. et al. Unity in Diversity: Embracing the Spirit of Group Work. London, UK, Whiting and Birch Ltd. 20-40.

Email Bastien@ucalgary.ca