RPD Alumni Profile - Stephanie Burnham

Stephanie (pronouns) is a proud member of the Cayuga Nation, Wolf Clan from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. Spending summers with their large family, fishing for tadpoles and learning their cultural roots helped inform their career and education pathway later in life. Stephanie completed a Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies & Native Studies at Trent University and recently completed the Master’s degree at the University of Guelph in Rural Planning & Development.

As a final year RPD student, Stephanie received the Aboriginal Graduate Scholarship and worked alongside Dr. Sheri Longboat, as their advisor. In a professional capacity, Stephanie was involved with the Six Nations Community Plan team and completed the Six Nations Community Plan updates. Moreover, Stephanie serves as a student member of the Indigenous Planning Perspectives Taskforce for the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI). 

Stephanie has contributed two OPPI blog posts on “Empowering a Treaty Conversation About Relationships and Planning Policy,” and more recently, “Planning’s Relationship with Indigenous Communities: Planning Policy and Slow Progress in Changing Times.” With 15 years of experience in Indigenous community development, Stephanie intends to continue working with their community.

Check out the Rural Planning and Development webpage for more details on our graduate programs.