CityU Associate Faculty (Calgary)
My name is Randi Lee Sager; I am First Nations (Dakota/Saulteaux/Nêhiyaw/Métis) and German and Scottish from Okotoks, Alberta. I belong to the Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation Reserve in Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan. I am an Indigenous Registered Psychologist who works from an Indigenous perspective and have been working with diverse clients since 2017. I provide Indigenous counselling and create a safe place for clients to heal in a way that they want to heal. I work from a holistic approach that integrates Indigenous ways of being and knowing and psychology. I received my master’s in counselling psychology from City University of Seattle, and received my traditional education from Elder’s, Knowledge Holders, and Community Members. I started my faculty associate position in May 2023 and contribute my Indigenous perspective to the program/CityU.
Research
My research interest includes Indigenous psychology and psychotherapy, Indigenous research, culturally appropriate counselling, working with trauma, cultural identity, and holistic and traditional approaches to wellness.
Teaching
I engage in both Indigenous and Western ways of knowing. I come from the perspective of relativity, which is that we are connected to each other, the environment, and the spirit world and all these relationships are interdependent. I also come from the perspective of holism, as our thoughts focus on the entire picture because everything is related. In addition, I work from the interconnected dimensions: emotional, spiritual, cognitive, and physical. My teaching perspective focuses on the development of a human being as a whole person. Academic or mental knowledge and emotional, spiritual, cognitive, and social growth are valued. Personal experience is a precious type of knowledge and method of learning. I enjoy providing opportunities for students to share and learn from their first-hand experiences. Additionally, I value exploring the local community and connecting to the land.
Courses
EDPS 645 L01, Indigenous Approaches to Therapy. University of Calgary