Dr. Wanda (Wuttunee) Charles, Professor Emerita, is an internationally recognized scholar whose work has shaped Indigenous economic development and entrepreneurship in Canada for more than 40 years. Her research examines how Indigenous values interact with capitalist systems, emphasizing community well-being, culture, gender, social enterprise, and co-operatives. Her influential concept of community capitalism highlights economic development that reflects Indigenous priorities and values with western business wisdom.

Dr. (Wuttunee) Charles has published extensively and presented nationally and internationally. Her recent edited books include Engraved on Our Nations: Indigenous Economic Tenacity (2024) and Still Ruffling Feathers: Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children (2025).

As a professor in Indigenous Studies and former Director of Aboriginal Business Education Partners at the University of Manitoba’s Asper School of Business, she mentored future leaders in Indigenous business education. Her many honours include the Indigenous Faculty Excellence Trailblazer Award, recognition among Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, and leadership roles on national Indigenous economic advisory panels.