A Vernon woman has been appointed as an independent senator by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Dr. Margo Greenwood is an internationally recognized and highly respected indigenous scholar of Cree ancestry. She is a researcher, author and mother with more than 30 years of experience focusing on the health and well-being of Indigenous children, families and communities. Greenwood is an Officer of the Order of Canada and has received numerous awards for her academic, community and advocacy work. While residing in Vernon, Greenwood has worked at the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George since 1997. She is a Full Professor in the UNBC Education Program and Academic Leader of the National Collaborating Center for Indigenous Health, hosted by UNBC. In June 2022, she was appointed Interim Scientific Director of the Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. IIPH is also hosted by UNBC. “I am honored to be appointed as a Senator and look forward to contributing to the work of the Senate in an independent and non-partisan manner. My contribution to the Senate is based on my commitment to the health and well-being of all people, including Indigenous children and families. I am proud to bring all my experience to this project,” said Greenwood. During her career, Greenwood has held numerous leadership roles at health, policy and research institutes, including site director for the Center of Excellence for Children and Adolescents with Special Needs. Aboriginal stream leader of the ActNow BC initiative and vice-president of Indigenous Health for the Northern British Columbia Health Authority. Greenwood’s career has also included working as an early learning educator and administrator with colleges and schools across Canada, as well as with the Lake Tribal Stakeholder Council. Greenwood serves on the boards of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia and the Patient Safety and Quality Council of British Columbia. He has led and provided expertise in the development of social policies and programs at provincial, national and international levels. He has published numerous books and edited papers in health, education, social work and Indigenous studies. Greenwood is an Officer of the Order of Canada and has received many honours, 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 Aboriginal Child Care Society of British Columbia; the National Aboriginal Achievement Award (now the Indspire Award) for education from the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation; and the Confederation of University Faculty Associations of British Columbia Academic of the Year Award. Dr. Greenwood holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta, a Master of Arts 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.
