Maria Shallard was raised on Líl̓wat territory in Pemberton (Mt. Currie), B.C. She is of mixed European settler and Penelakut ancestry, and comes to her work knowing that learning and unlearning is a lifelong journey.

Maria, Director, Indigenous Research at the Canadian Climate Institute, leads research that advances climate policy grounded in justice, equity, and collective healing with the land and waters, and with one another. She brings over 15 years of experience as an educator, project manager, engagement specialist, and researcher — including 6+ years focused on climate policy across adaptation, mitigation, and clean growth. She has spoken at national and international events, including COP29, and sits on several national and international working groups and committees.

Maria holds a Master’s in Geography from the University of Guelph (political ecology and Indigenous ocean governance, supported by the Hakai Network for Coastal People, Ecosystems and Management) and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Victoria (double major in Environmental Studies and Canadian Environmental History, minor in Indigenous Studies), along with certificates in Climate Vulnerability and Adaptation (UBC), coaching, leadership, communication, and Mental Health First Aid.