Chad Cowie
Chad Cowie is a member of the Aniishnaabe community of Manominiiking, also known as Hiawatha First Nation (Mississauga’s of Rice Lake) located near Peterborough, Ontario. Although Chad is currently living outside of his home community while attending school, he continues to be actively involved and interested in what goes on there. While growing up he was involved in the community’s youth group; as well, he has represented youth at various conferences and events. Chad has an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario (UWO), with a focus on Political Science and Indigenous Studies. Currently, Chad is a student at the University of Manitoba (UofM) in his first of a two-year Masters Degree that focuses on Canadian/Indigenous politics and relations.
While at UWO Chad became involved with politics- first joining the Liberal Party of Canada in 2004, and then holding positions in various organizations and student governments. During his time as a member of the Western Liberals, Chad was the Model Parliament Director as well as the Vice-President for Campus Outreach. Chad has also served as President of the First Nations Students Association for two years as well as the First Nations Program Representative to the Social Science Student Council. While taking a year off from school Chad also had the opportunity to work as a policy analyst for an Indigenous political organization based in Ontario. Between April 2009 and January 2012, Chad served as the Aboriginal Peoples’ Commission Youth Representative, allowing him to learn the history and structure of not just the APC but the Young Liberals of Canada as well. Currently, Chad is the Political Studies Representative to the Graduate Student Association at UofM, and a member of the Students Association of Masters of Public Administration and Political Studies (SAMPA).
Chad’s future aspirations include obtaining a Doctorate of Political Science and teaching at the university level – with a specific focus on intergovernmental affairs, voting behaviour, constitution, and Indigenous/Canadian relations. Chad hopes to use his education to assist and help the Liberal Party of Canada, his home community, the Aniishnaabe Nation as well as the other Indigenous nations within the borders of Canada.
Chad’s interests include education, reading, politics, drawing, spending time with his family and community, and helping to bring about awareness of Canada’s potential and proper relationship with the Indigenous people of the land.
