Roy Bear Chief — Oom ka pisi (Big Coyote) — is a social worker, residential school survivor, Siksika Nation elder, “Espoom tah” (helper) and former elder-in-residence at Mount Royal University Bissett School of Business who uses his own story of resilience and perseverance to help make a difference in the lives of others. He has shared his strengths as a compassionate leader and teacher with various communities, establishing him as an esteemed mentor.

Bear Chief wholeheartedly believes in lifelong learning. He completed his high-school equivalency at age 40 and a Social Work Diploma from Mount Royal at age 46. He then went to the University of Calgary, earning his Bachelor of Social Work at age 51 and his Master of Social Work at age 56. Today, he is proud to be at Mount Royal to help incorporate Indigenous ideas, concepts and practices into the University’s curriculum, as well as mentoring students and faculty.

In the wider community, he has consulted on matters such as social innovation, poverty reduction, age inclusion and equitable health care; he also works to promote the importance of Blackfoot language and culture. In 2021, Bear Chief received the MRU Alumni Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Award and in 2022, the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Award, as well as Honorary Doctorate degrees from the University of Calgary in 2022 and Mount Royal University in 2024.

Bear Chief has impacted countless lives, in conversation and connection, and in doing so has strengthened the communities around him