Tee Copenace is Anishinaabe Kwe from Niisaachewan Anishinaabe Nation (Treaty #3) and a member of the Lynx Clan. She serves as Director, Indigenous Initiatives at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), where she provides strategic leadership for the university’s Indigenous vision, priorities, and partnerships. Working collaboratively across institutional, community, and governmental sectors, Tee leads initiatives that advance Indigenous student success, Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, and systems-level change, while strengthening relationships with First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and urban Indigenous communities.
Recognized as a respected Indigenous leader in post-secondary education, Tee brings nearly two decades of experience in Indigenous education, leadership, governance, and organizational development. She is a trusted advisor, facilitator, and consultant who has partnered with public, private, and non-profit organizations across Canada to advance Indigenous inclusion and meaningful reconciliation. In addition to her university leadership, Tee serves in governance roles provincially and nationally and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership at Western University, with a focus on advancing Indigenous leadership and transforming post-secondary education through Indigenous perspectives.