Anishinabek Nation welcomes new advisory council

ANISHINABEK NATION TERRITORY – With the goal of bringing 2SLGBTQQIA + voices to the political forefront, the Anishinabek Nation Nation 2SLGBTQQIA+ Advisory Council was formed. The Anishinabek Nation Advisory Councils comprise the Nation Council and are present to ensure that all members of the Anishinabek Nation receive representation, support, and have their voices brought to the table. There are four other Nation Advisory Councils currently active in addition to the 2SLGBTQQIA+ and they include: Kwewag (Women), Eshki-niigiijig (Youth), Getzidjig (Elders), Niniwag (Men’s). Nation Council members are available to hear citizens’ concerns so that they may advocate for current issues and be the change Anishinabek citizens wish to see. The Nation Council has a monthly meeting with the Political Office to work collectively on goals. As well, each Advisory Council meets quarterly to work on respective goals and priorities.

There are currently three members on the 2SLGBTQQIA+ Advisory Council: NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun, Heidi Whetung, and Aaron Bowerman.

NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun (Longfeather) is a member of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation and lives in the Dish With One Spoon Treaty Territory. NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun’s father is from Aazhoodena (Kettle and Stony Point First Nation) and his mother is from Aamjiwnaang First Nation. NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun is Anishinaabe Ojokwe, one of many terms used by the Two-Spirit community. NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun was raised by his mother Sylvia, an Indian Residential School Survivor. He is a survivor of the Federal Indian Day School system. NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun is a family member of the late land defender Dudley George and a proud aunty/uncle to 84 nieces and nephews. He works in the justice field and has worked with Indigenous people all of his life, both on and off-reserve. Personally and professionally, NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun has made presentations on Indigenous matters via local, provincial, national, and international platforms.

Heidi Whetung is an Executive Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer for Curve Lake First Nation Government Services. In her previous employment with the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre, she held the title of Indigenous Mentor for 2SLGBTQQIA+ people of all ages where she spent over two years building this program, offering services such as mentoring, programming, ceremony, traditional teachings, cultural activities, helping with name change, gender-affirming gear, as well as working with parents and clients. Some of the activities that she has been involved with include bringing Pride back to Curve Lake First Nation. Last year, Curve Lake First Nation held its third annual Pride parade with activities and learning. Three years earlier, the community raised its first-ever Pride flag at its Government Services Building, and it flies year-round to show inclusivity and acceptance in the community. Proudly, two years ago, Heidi had the privilege of bringing in the Pride flag during Grand Entry at its annual pow wow for the first time. Heidi has sat on panels at Trent University as a speaker at the Elder’s Conference and was the keynote speaker at the KII-GA-DO-WAAK Earth Day Conference. Heidi believes that “We all belong in the circle, and when it comes to our culture, our ceremonies, and our language, that we must step away from the Western Society way of thinking and get back to accepting all our people for who they are and what their gifts are.”

Aaron Bowerman identifies as an Anishinaabe Two-Spirit man born and raised in Sheguiandah First Nation on Manitoulin Island. Aaron has worked in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) for over 10 years supporting various communities as a front-line harm reduction worker. Aaron is currently employed with the City of Toronto as an Indigenous Research Associate. Aaron is passionate about harm reduction, 2SLGBTQQIA+ issues, HIV/AIDS, and social determinants of health within Indigenous communities. Through these passions, Aaron has been able to support the community with youth programming, community relationship-building, peer support programs, capacity-building in harm reduction, street outreach, and housing/shelter support. Outside of his professional life, Aaron enjoys hiking, travelling, rock collecting, socializing with new people/friends, water sports, sewing/leatherwork, listening to Top 40 music, and playing with kittens. Aaron’s core values include, respect, honesty, courage, and kindness.

The 2SLGBTQQIA+ Advisory Council is eager to hear the voices of 2SLGBTQQIA+ citizens of all ages within their regions. Currently, there is a vacancy within the Northern Superior Region. If you or someone that you know is interested in supporting this important work, please contact Brittnay Meunier-Gauthier (Special Projects Coordinator): brittnay.meunier-gauthier@anishinabek.ca