The Indigenous Peoples Health Research Centre has announced the passing of Dr. Jo-Ann Episkenew.
Episkenew was the centre’s director.
A post on the centre’s Facebook page says Episkenew died early this morning.
She had a distinguished career as a professor, academic administrator and author.
Before her time at the centre, Episkenew served as Professor of English, Department Head, and Acting Dean of Academics at the First Nations University of Canada.
Her 2009 book, Taking Back Our Spirits: Indigenous Literature, Public Policy, and Healing, won Saskatchewan Book Awards for Scholarly Writing and First Peoples Writing.
Just last week, the Saskatchewan Metis woman received the education award at the annual Indspire Awards.
Last year, she was given the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Regina YWCA’s Women of Distinction Awards.