Marsha Hanson, BA, Elder

Commissioner Marsha Hanson (whose Blackfoot name is Tsiik’Tsa’akii – White Swan Woman) joined the Commission in November 2024, following a career in family social work.

Over her career, Commissioner Hanson supported families in crisis and those experiencing domestic violence through the Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society, HomeFront and Closer to Home. Most recently, she was the Indigenous Program Facilitator and Coordinator at Closer to Home, where a large part of her role was supporting the work of Pekewe Indigenous Healing House as an Elder.

Commissioner Hanson is Plains Cree and is part of the Muskoday First Nation in Saskatchewan. She was part of the 60s Scoop and, due to that, was not recognized with full Indigenous Indian Status until 2022. In 2017, she was honoured in a traditional Indigenous ceremony and received the title of Elder.

Commissioner Hanson is passionate about supporting those walking in their Indigenous journey, and helping others understand the impacts of intergenerational trauma and begin the healing process so they and their families can move forward in a good way.

She holds both a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Planning and Land Development, and a Diploma in Business Administration and Accounting, from Mount Royal University. She also holds several certificates in Indigenous studies, supportive counselling, and addiction studies.