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St. Stephen’s College is delighted to announce the appointment of Lewis Cardinal as the College’s eleventh Chancellor.

Lewis Cardinal is Woodland Cree from the Sucker Creek Cree First Nation in Treaty No. 8 in northern Alberta. He is a communicator, educator, and story holder who has dedicated his life’s work to creating and maintaining connections and relationships that cross cultural divides. His consulting company, Cardinal Strategic Communications & Development, specializes in Indigenous education, communications, and project development. Mr. Cardinal is also owner, CEO, and Head Storyteller of Red Earth Blue Sky Productions.

Mr. Cardinal has served and continues to serve Interfaith organizations and initiatives locally, nationally, and internationally through the Edmonton Interfaith Network Society, as Vice-Chair for the North American Interfaith Network, Trustee for the Parliament of the World’s Religions, Co-Chair of Initiatives of Change Canada, President of Global Indigenous Dialogue International, and Honorary Board Member of the Board of Sponsors at Martin Luther King Jr. International College of Ministers and Laity at Morehouse College, Atlanta.

Mr. Cardinal is Senior Advisor for the Indigenous Knowledge & Wisdom Centre and “kihcihkaw askî–Sacred Land” in the City of Edmonton, the first designated urban Indigenous ceremony grounds in Canada. Throughout his career, Mr. Cardinal has established a long track record of public service, including: Co Chair of Initiatives of Change-Canada, Chair of the Global Indigenous Dialogue of Initiatives of Change, and Trustee and Chair of the Indigenous Taskforce for the Council for a Parliament of World Religions. In recognition of this work, Mr. Cardinal has received many honours and awards, including both Diamond Jubilee and Platinum Jubilee medals from Queen Elizabeth II, the IndSpire Award for Public Service, the Province of Alberta’s Centennial Medal, the Distinguished Alumni Award from MacEwan University, an Honorary Diploma from NorQuest College, and the Honorary Doctor of Sacred Letters from St. Stephen’s College.

Said Principal Fred Tappenden: “We are very excited to have Lewis join our learning community at St. Stephen’s, are we are thrilled about the many ways he will expand, support, and enrich the work of the College. Lewis is deeply skilled at fostering encounters that are cross-cultural, engaging, respectful of differences, and rooted deeply in relationship. These are characteristics that align with the College’s Vision, Mission, and Values, and we are excited for the ways Lewis will enrich our community and work.”

Lewis will serve as the eleventh Chancellor of St. Stephen’s College, succeeding Michael Phair whose three-year term comes to conclusion in Fall 2025.

All are invited to the installation of Mr. Cardinal as Chancellor on October 27, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. The installation will take place as part of the College’s 101st Convocation, which will be held at the (in the Old Strathcona Theatre District).