Lewis Cardinal
CEO, PRODUCER, HEAD STORYTELLER
Lewis is a distinguished communicator and educator whose work focuses on fostering relationships that bridge cultural divides, both locally, nationally, and internationally. Lewis earned three undergraduate degrees from the University of Colorado-Boulder: BSc in Journalism-Broadcast Production Management, BA English Honors-Creative Writing, BA Film Study, as well, he pursued a PhD in Indigenous Peoples Education-University of Alberta. These areas of study and training provided Lewis with unique tools and the broad experience in utilizing storytelling as a part of his applied Indigenous pedagogy in post-secondary classrooms and research. Lewis understands the power of storytelling in the transference of knowledge, acquisition of information and skills, and the personal integration of Indigenous worldviews in self-identity and creative ventures.
Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to public service and advocacy, holding key leadership positions such as Chair of the Global Indigenous Dialogue of Initiatives of Change - International, Co-Chair of Initiatives of Change - Canada, and Trustee for the Parliament of the World’s Religions. He is also an Honorary Board Member for the Martin Luther King Jr. International College of Ministers and Laity at Morehouse College in Atlanta, USA. To mention a few.
His contributions have earned him numerous prestigious awards and honors, including two medals from Queen Elizabeth II of England: the Diamond Jubilee Medal for Public Service and the Platinum Jubilee Medal for his contributions to the Province of Alberta. He has also received the Indspire Award for Public Service from Indigenous peoples of Canada, the Treaty No. 8 Medal for the protection of Treaty Rights, and the Province of Alberta’s Centennial Medal for his work in Human Rights and Diversity. Additionally, he has been recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award from MacEwan University, an Honorary Diploma for Indigenous Voice in Leadership from Norquest College, and an Honorary Degree of “Doctor of Sacred Letters” from St. Stephen’s College at the University of Alberta. Since 2014, he has been listed in Canada’s Who’s Who.
Lewis is Woodland Cree from the Sucker Creek Cree First Nation in Treaty No. 8 in northern Alberta, Canada. Through his consulting company, Cardinal Strategic Communications, he specializes in Indigenous education, communications, and project development. Additionally, he is the owner, CEO, and Chief Storyteller of Red Earth Blue Sky Productions. He currently serves as Senior Advisor for the Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre in Alberta and former project manager of “kihcihkaw askî–Sacred Land” in Edmonton, the first designated urban Indigenous ceremony grounds in Canada.
His lifelong commitment to Indigenous issues, human rights, education, and community-building through story-based strategic communication has left an indelible impact on both local, national, and global Indigenous communities.