Nicole Burns (she/her) is a settler on Turtle Island and has been living on the traditional territories of the Attawandaron, Anishnaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples for the last decade. Nicole is a PhD student at the Balsillie School of International Affairs, University of Waterloo, specializing in Global Justice and Human Rights. Nicole’s master’s research focused on Indigenous Peoples right to free, prior and informed consent in relation to any development or extraction that would take place on their lands. The impacts of development on Indigenous Peoples lands are complex and affect economic, social, mental, and physical health.

For the last several years, Nicole has been engaged in community-led capacity building, primarily working with Indigenous communities across Canada on various health and wellness initiatives. She has worked in numerous capacities supporting the research direction of Indigenous partners. Nicole is continuing her PhD research focusing on Indigenous Peoples right to self-determination, including the right to self-governance.