Mylan Tootoosis

Mylan Tootoosis originates from Poundmaker Cree Nation within Treaty Six Territory and proudly identifies as Nêhiyawpwat (Plains Cree-Nakota). He holds a Master of Arts in Indigenous Governance from the University of Victoria (2013) and a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Liberal Studies from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His educational journey also includes immersive land-based learning experiences in Costa Rica, Hawai’i, Italy, Belize, and Mexico.

Guided by his parents, Arsene and Kimberly Tootoosis—founders of Red Echo Associates—Mylan was mentored from a young age and trained extensively as a Life Skills Coach.

As a former ABD Doctoral Candidate in the Department of Indigenous Studies at the University of Saskatchewan, Mylan has significant academic experience. His years instructing and lecturing at the university level have equipped him with valuable expertise in engaging and supporting Indigenous students in higher education.

Mylan is also deeply involved in mental health and wellness, having served as a Life Skills Coach and a key member of the Chief Little Pine School Mental Health team from 2019 to 2022, where his contributions left a lasting impact. With over two decades of experience working in on-reserve schools, he brings a lived perspective that informs his work, adding meaningful insight to conversations on Indigenous community development and nationhood.

A dedicated father of two, Mylan embraces traditional archery and a land-based lifestyle. Choosing to live and work on reserve, he actively resists the pull of Western systems and capitalist structures, prioritizing community, culture, and decolonization. He maintains a home on the land with his two rez dogs and three horses, practicing self-sustainability to the best of his ability. His deep connection to the land is not just a way of life but a grounding force that shapes his personal journey and contributions to his community.

In addition to his academic and community work, Mylan hosts Radical Narrative, a podcast with over 1,500 international listeners. Through in-depth discussions on Indigenous politics, community resilience, and self-determination, he fosters critical conversations on Indigenous sovereignty and nationhood.