Heather Watts is a Principal and a Partner at First Peoples Group. A proud Mohawk from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, she has dedicated her career to advancing education and social justice.
With a strong foundation in education, Heather holds a degree in Inclusive Education from Syracuse University and a degree in Literacy Coaching from Columbia University’s Teachers College. She has also worked as an elementary school teacher in New York City and Rochester, NY, fostering inclusive learning environments.
Continuing her passion for educational leadership, Heather earned an Ed.M. in Education Policy and Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE). During her time at HGSE, she served as an Equity & Inclusion Fellow and was recognized with the Student Leadership Award from the Native American Alumni of Harvard University. Currently, Heather is a doctoral candidate in the Social Justice Education program at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto. Her research has been supported by the prestigious Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship through SSHRC. While at OISE, Heather has served as an elected member of the OISE Council.
Heather is an Action Canada Fellow with the Public Policy Forum, furthering her impact in policy and advocacy. She also serves as a panel member on the Accreditation Roster at the Ontario College of Teachers.
At First Peoples Group, Heather is committed to bridging understanding through learning and training, and cultivating relationships between Indigenous Nations and corporations, schools, municipalities, and health care organizations.