Derek Thunder, Manager
Derek Thunder is from Bigstone Cree Nation in Northern Alberta and is the Manager of the Nîsôhkamâtotân Centre. He has been at NAIT since 2009 bringing a wealth of experience working with First Nation, Métis and Inuit students and their communities.
In 2023, Thunder received NAIT’s most esteemed employee award, the Ernest Manning Leadership Medallion, for his unwavering advocacy and dedication to Indigenous student success. He also a received NAIT's Shine Award for Superb Customer Service in 2017 and, along with the Nîsôhkamâtotân Centre team, the award for Excellence in Extraordinary Times in 2021.
Derek Thunder envisions a future where Indigenous students thrive academically, culturally and personally. His dedication to education, coupled with his commitment to preserving and celebrating Indigenous cultures, has inspired Derek Thunder to advocate for positive change through his work at NAIT.