Profile
Elder Julie Pitzel (Dene/Cree Knowledge Keeper & Community Advocate) is a proud Dene and Cree woman from Buffalo Narrows, Saskatchewan. Raised speaking Dene, Cree, and English, she grew up learning traditional skills like hunting, trapping, and gathering medicines, grounded in strong values of kinship, respect for the land, and community care.
Over the decades, Julie has worked extensively in education, policing, advocacy, and social services. Her roles have included guidance counsellor with Indian Affairs, Native Studies and language teacher, Indigenous Resource Officer for 15 years with police services, and family counsellor supporting shelters and community programs. She has also contributed to women’s advocacy, low-income housing, and youth and family services through various leadership roles.
Now retired, Elder Julie continues to offer Elder Services to organizations such as the Ministry of Social Services, police services, and the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan. She serves on several advisory councils addressing justice, children’s advocacy, and Indigenous language revitalization. Deeply rooted in her cultural teachings, she remains dedicated to supporting students, families, and communities—guided always by her commitment to being a good parent, helping others, and honouring her ancestral knowledge.