After 15 years of dedication to University College of the North (UCN), Nelson Leaske is stepping into a new role as an Elder. From a background in finance to teaching the Cree language, his journey is defined by one core philosophy: Waskawi—the importance of always keeping moving.
Nelson Leaske didn’t start his career in a classroom. Years ago, he was a finance manager working in Tribal Health.
“I noticed the mission statement of the University College of the North,” Nelson explains. “I said, ‘Hey, look. This is something interesting where I can pass on my knowledge and my experience.’”
That initial spark led to a 15-year tenure, starting as a term coordinator at the Mamawechetotan Student Centre, moving into instruction for the “Tradition and Change” course, and now, serving the institution as an Elder.
“I spent 24 years in academics to get to where I am,” he says. “When you share that life experience… students understand that education is an investment.”
He teaches students to look at their energy and time like a budget.
“Do you want to remain at par, do you want to struggle with no money, or do you want to have a surplus?” he asks. “Once they understand that concept of management and investment, they say, ‘Wow, I have to make sure I succeed.’ Education is very much part of quality of life.”
Outside of UCN, Nelson is passionate about sports. For him, staying active is more than a hobby—it’s rooted in the Cree language.
He references the concept of Waskawi, a Cree term associated with movement.
“You have to keep moving. If you sit idle long enough, it’s not good,” Nelson shares. “That’s the beauty of the language. Waskawi means movement is always there. As soon as I pick up an object, it’s alive; there is life in it. So, sports are very much part of who I am. I have to keep moving.”
When asked why he has stayed for 15 years, Nelson’s answer is immediate: “It’s family.”
He points to the unique governance of UCN, specifically the Tri-Council system, which includes the Council of Elders, as something that sets the institution apart globally.
“When people come together here, wow, it really reflects what we are here for,” he says. “We have a responsibility… to help others. They are coming in here, sometimes in their 18s or 20s. You want to help them succeed.”