Paula Cornelius-Hedgepeth appointed Director, Indigenous Engagement and Wampum Learning Lodge

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Paula Cornelius-Hedgepeth as the new Director, Indigenous Engagement & Wampum Learning Lodge within the Office of Indigenous Initiatives at Western University. This new leadership position will also oversee the Indigenous Student Center (ISC) moving forward.

Paula Cornelius-Hedgepeth (Kahawani), a proud member of the Oneida Nation of the Thames, Wolf Clan, brings over 10 years of experience working in Indigenous education and more than 15 years as an entrepreneur.

A loving and devoted mother and grandmother, she is known for her creativity, collaborative spirit, and her deep connections to this land and her Haudenosaunee roots. For over 20 years, Cornelius-Hedgepeth has built relationships across Turtle Island while travelling to participate in pow wows.

Cornelius-Hedgepeth has dedicated her career to supporting Indigenous learners, advancing cultural awareness, and fostering collaboration within educational and business settings, inspired by both her professional and personal connections.

Cornelius-Hedgepeth earned a Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor in 2013 and a Master of Professional Education, focused on Indigenous Leadership, from Western University in 2019.

Since joining Western in 2019 before the Office of Indigenous Initiatives was fully incorporated, she led the community engagement to create an Indigenous Learning Space, now the Wampum Learning Lodge (WLL).

In 2020 she moved into the role of Community Relations and Space Coordinator in the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, playing a pivotal role in strengthening Western’s ties with local Indigenous nations, a key priority in implementing the university’s Indigenous Strategic Plan.

Cornelius-Hedgepeth believes in the power of inclusive leadership, which is grounded in respect, collaboration and the importance of building long-term relationships. Her approach is focused on creating meaningful and sustainable change through engagement and shared knowledge.

"I am honoured to embrace this new role and build upon the strong foundation we’ve established. My goal is to cultivate an inclusive environment where Indigenous students feel supported and empowered to achieve their dreams, and where our communities recognize the university as a welcoming place for them,” said Cornelius-Hedgepeth. “By continually strengthening partnerships with local nations and advancing reconciliation efforts, I will continue to help create a university community that deeply respects and values Indigenous people, their knowledge, and future aspirations."

Cornelius-Hedgepeth’s promotion is premised upon the successes she has demonstrated within an acting lead role at the Wampum Learning Lodge (WLL), in close collaboration with the ISC staff, wherein she has excelled in helping to advance the work of Truth and Reconciliation with all partners at Western.

The appointment of Cornelius-Hedgepeth as Director was keenly supported by both Dr. Christy R. Bressette, vice-provost and associate vice-president (Indigenous Initiatives), and Florentine Strzelczyk, provost and vice-president (Academic).

"We are thrilled to have Paula step into this new role," said Dr. Bressette. "Her deep understanding of the local Indigenous communities and her proven record of building strong, meaningful partnerships will be invaluable as we continue to advance the implementation of the Indigenous Strategic Plan and further the work of reconciliation at Western."

Cornelius-Hedgepeth will begin transitioning into her new role as Director under the guidance of Dr. Bressette. We are excited to support Paula in her new position and look forward to the continued positive impact she will have on our university community.