Wilfred Burton

Wilfred is Michif originally from Midnight Lake, Saskatchewan (Nolin & Delorme families) and currently resides on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Round Prairie Métis (Saskatoon) after living in Regina for 37 years.

Wilfred is a retired educator (with teaching experience in elementary and post-secondary) who holds three degrees (B. Ed.- elementary education, B.A.- Indigenous studies major, M. Ed.-literacy focused thesis). He currently does contract work for publishers, teaches and promotes culture in the community as well as writing children's books (Métis historical fiction).

For his whole life Wilfred has been involved in the cultural (not political) aspect of his Métis culture by being in dance troupes; being a member of Métis locals; volunteering at events; beading; and teaching many different aspects of the culture at conferences and gatherings locally and provincially. In his educational positions, Wilfred incorporated and supported cross-cultural teaching, diversity training, Treaties In The Classroom, as well as anti-racist educational practices.

Wilfred currently sit on several boards/councils, including: John Arcand Fiddle Fest; Gabriel Dumont Métis Local 11; Gabriel Dumont Institute Scholarship Fund; SAWCI; Reconciliation Saskatoon Learning Committee; Meewasin Steering Committee; City of Saskatoon New Library Steering Committee; and Aboriginal Children's Writing Group. He also volunteers in Conversation Circles for the Open Door Society with new Canadians (6 years). He has held various positions on these boards and organizations and on many other boards in the past 40+ years. He has also adjudicated for many local and provincial grants/scholarships.

Wilfred is highly supportive of the promotion of all cultural experiences in Saskatchewan. He believes through the celebration and sharing of culture we are able to embrace the common ground of our humanity while acknowledging our uniqueness. With the rise in racist acts in Saskatchewan and Canada it is imperative to keep this work up: to expose, to teach, to share, to discuss and to celebrate our diversity.

Wilfred believes his extensive experience and skills honed in cultural and educational settings would be an asset on the SaskCulture Board.