Matt Ward (he/they) is a queer, mixed nehiyaw person and member of Driftpile Cree Nation in Treaty 8 territory. They grew
up on the shores of Lesser Slave Lake but have called amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton) home collectively for over
ten years. 

Matt completed his undergraduate degree in Critical Indigenous Studies and Political Science at the University of British Columbia in 2015. His career has included strategic planning, research, engagement, workshop delivery and strategy development. He has worked in multiple sectors throughout his career, including human services, community safety, student organizing, health, and environment, and he has spent seven years in Edmonton’s housing and homelessness sector. They are a dedicated volunteer in Edmonton's human services, arts, and Indigenous spaces. In 2021, he received Alberta’s Top 30 Under 30 Award; in 2022, he received Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40 Award.

Matt enjoys exploring their downtown neighbourhood, playing video games, and collaborating on projects with friends and organizations celebrating Indigenous joy. After long days, he can be found lounging on his condo patio with his fiancé, Eric, and their cat, Mr. Business.