Greg Edgelow

Greg Edgelow is a proud Métis leader, Olympian, and North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame inductee whose professional and community journey reflects nearly 30 years of transformative impact on youth empowerment, Indigenous rights, and reconciliation across Western Canada. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Greg’s ancestral roots lie in the historic Red River parishes and Portage la Prairie — the birthplace of the Métis Nation. His ancestors lived in the river-lot communities central to Métis political identity and walked alongside the era of Louis Riel, grounding his leadership in cultural resilience, self‑determination, and rights advocacy.

Greg has strengthened Indigenous governance, advanced culturally safe policy development, and built durable relationships between Indigenous Nations and provincial systems. His leadership roles within the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and the First Nations Health Authority reflected his commitment to community-centred service. In the energy sector, Greg advances reconciliation every day: as Indigenous Relations Manager at FortisBC, he fulfills the Crown’s constitutionally delegated duty to consult with up to 58 Indigenous Nations, ensuring Indigenous rights, title, and governance are meaningfully integrated into infrastructure planning, regulatory processes, and provincial decision-making.

His leadership has been recognized by Indigenous communities themselves. Greg was selected as Assistant Chef de Mission for Indigenous Team BC at the 2008 North American Indigenous Games — a role reflecting cultural trust and confidence in his ability to guide and inspire youth. He has also served as Assistant Deputy Electoral Officer and Scrutineer for Tsleil‑Waututh Nation elections, positions requiring exceptional integrity and community trust.

Nationally, Greg was appointed Western Sport Advisor by the Honourable Denis Coderre, then Minister of Sport, during his tenure as Chair of AthletesCAN — a federal recognition of his influence and expertise. His broader contributions have been honoured through the Simon Fraser University Outstanding Alumni Award and the Canadian Sport Leadership Award, where he surpassed fellow finalist Wayne Gretzky in 1999.

A lifelong mentor to Indigenous youth, Greg has inspired thousands through keynote speeches, coaching, and leadership at the North American Indigenous Games. His interdisciplinary leadership, lived Métis identity, and unwavering commitment to reconciliation will enrich the Observatory’s mission to prepare emerging human rights leaders for meaningful engagement at the United Nations and beyond.