Corey Bighorn (he/him) is a registered member of Bloodvein River First Nation in Treaty Five Territory. He is the son of the late Lois Cook and Edwin Young. Today, Corey goes by “Bighorn” to honour the Lakota family who took him in at the age of 15. Corey’s traditional Lakota name is Wicahpi Wiyakpa, meaning Bright Star.
Corey is an award-winning leader and speaker. Since the age of 15, he has travelled nationally, touring schools and performing. Corey was the first First Nations recipient of the national Top 20 Under 20 Award in 2011, a recipient of a Youth Role Model Award from the City of Winnipeg in 2012. That same year, the Governor General of Canada invited Corey to Ottawa, where he was honoured in a special ceremony by the Prime Minister of Canada and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
For more than 10 years, he has built a successful career in First Nation’s health and education – working with over 40 First Nations communities across Canada in several key roles. Most notably, leading summer kids camps for 10-consecutive years for First Nations children and youth – and the 2SLGBTQ+ community in regional and national levels. As well well as leading the development of sexual health curriculum for Alberta First Nation high schools.
While Corey has no formal post-secondary credentials, he has worked with the University of Winnipeg, and the University of Alberta while advocating for the recognition of social and community-developed forms of education. Today, Corey works for Bloodvein River First Nation, leading the Miskwewesibi Roots Program, and assisting with the Nation’s Membership Services, and Communications Team.
Connect with Corey at corey@miskwewesibi.com.
COREY BIGHORN 