Jacqueline Ottmann, also known as Misiaykimigookpaypomwayotung, grew up on Fishing Lake First Nation, where she was exposed to strong leadership skills through her parents. Her father served as the chief of the community for 30 years, while her mother drove the school bus for nearly 50 years. These experiences taught Ottmann about the responsibilities and connections involved in leadership. Inspired by her parents, Ottmann focused her graduate research on investigating leadership and organizational development, especially from Indigenous perspectives, due to the lack of literature on this topic. Her upbringing and academic research paved the way for her career in education and leadership.
After working as a teacher and principal, Ottmann advanced her career to positions at the University of Calgary and the University of Saskatchewan, where she held academic leadership roles. In 2021, she was appointed as the president of First Nations University of Canada. Ottmann is recognized as an advocate and researcher dedicated to generating social justice. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to being an academic leader as well as a change maker striving to create positive impacts. Ottmann believes that educational leadership can be a solution to many of the issues faced by Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. She encourages aspiring leaders to use their voices and take action to make a difference, emphasizing that one does not need to be loud to create an impact.
Throughout her career, Ottmann has focused on advocating for positive change in Indigenous and non-Indigenous circles through education and leadership. She believes that leadership can be a tool for addressing social issues and promoting positive change within communities. Ottmann’s passion for generating social justice is evident in her work and advocacy efforts over the years. She emphasizes the importance of using one’s voice and actions to create meaningful change, urging individuals to wake up each day with the hope of making a difference. Ottmann’s leadership style is rooted in her upbringing and values, as well as her dedication to advocating for others and driving positive change in society.
As the president of First Nations University of Canada, Ottmann continues to lead by example and inspire others to use their leadership skills for the betterment of their communities. She encourages future leaders to exercise their voices and take action to create positive impacts, emphasizing the importance of making a difference in the lives of others. Ottmann’s leadership journey, shaped by her upbringing and academic research, has positioned her as a respected advocate and researcher dedicated to social justice. Through her work and advocacy, Ottmann has proven to be a strong leader in the field of education, striving to create positive change and empower others to make a difference in their communities.
