Sam Bird

Background

About Sam Bird

I’m dedicated to advancing Indigenous leadership, with experience in government, education, administration, and philanthropy. Right now, I work for Premier Wab Kinew, the first anishinaabe Premier, driven by a passion for making Manitoba a better place for everyone who lives here. I started as a librarian and educator, where I developed skills in policy, community development, and leadership. Following this, my time at the Mastercard Foundation gave me insight into how decolonizing philanthropy can drive real systems change, especially for Indigenous communities. Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to championing Indigenous communities—whether it’s through education programs, community engagement, or strategic leadership. I love working in collaborative environments, bringing different perspectives together, and building partnerships that make a real difference. I’m a proud member of Peguis First Nation, with family ties to Brokenhead Ojibway Nation. I grew up in southern Ontario and upstate New York, spent five years in Thunder Bay, and now reside in Treaty 1 territory, the traditional homelands of my Cree and Anishinaabe ancestors.