Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering

Kookum and Knowledge Keeper Barbara Bruce (Flies High Thunderbird, Truth Talker) is a Two Spirit citizen of the Red River Métis Nation– Michif aen Otipemisiwak. Her beliefs of Indigenous traditional teachings are reflected in all the work she takes on. 

A Sundancer, Sweatlodge leader and Pipe Carrier, her dedication to advancing the rightful place, recognition and acknowledgment of the Two Spirit community, Indigenous women and children are an integral part of her life. 

Barbara has been recognized and honoured for her work by the Human Rights Commission of Manitoba. In recognition of her lifetime of work, she was inducted into the Order of Manitoba in 2018. In 2020, she was acknowledged in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly in a Member’s Statement for her work and contribution as a Two Spirit Elder. In 2021, she received the Nellie McClung Manitoba 150 Women Trailblazer Award. She was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal of Manitoba in December 2022.

Charlotte Nolin (Stands Strong Eagle Woman) is a 74-year-old Métis woman, who survived the Indian Day Schools and the infamous 60s Scoop. During her lifetime, Miss Nolin overcame many hurdles placed in her path, such as an early addiction to heroin and violence at the hands of those who paid for her services to surviving a suicide attempt at the age of 21. After facing homophobia and transphobia during her attempted transition at 17, she returned to the closet at 24 rather than face death. Charlotte then entered the world of construction and excelled, becoming a foreman by her third year in the industry. 

At 40, Charlotte changed careers and began her journey in social work. This became such a rewarding journey, protecting those that couldn’t protect themselves. Charlotte was instrumental in the repatriation of a 5-year-old girl from B.C. to her relatives in The Pas, Manitoba. After two heart attacks in a three-week period, Charlotte decided to retire in 2020. 

Today, Charlotte enjoys life as her true self after completing her transition in 2017. Charlotte now leads her 2Spirit community in Sundance along with her sister Barbara, serves as an Elder-in-Residence at the University of Manitoba and does work for the NRCAN department of the Federal government.

Albert McLeod is a Status Indian with ancestry from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and the Métis communities of Cross Lake and Norway House in northern Manitoba. He was a member of the sub-working group that produced the MMIWG - 2SLGBTQQIA+ National Action Plan Report in 2020-2021. In 2020, Albert joined Team Thunderhead, the team that won the international competition to design the 2SLGBTQI+ National Monument in Ottawa. 

Learn more about Albert’s work on their website.

Gayle Pruden is an Anishinaabe two-spirit from Little Saskatchewan First Nation, she has embraced her masculine and feminine spirits from a young age and identifies as two-spirit. Known as Winnipeg's two-spirit kookum, Pruden is fluent in Ojibwe and has taken on the role of grandmother, not only to her own grandchildren but to many people across Canada.

Raised by her grandmother, grandfather and great-grandfather, Pruden cherishes the many lessons her grandmother taught her about living a life of kindness and respect. Now she passes on these valuable lessons and shares her experiences as an Anishinaabe two-spirit with youth and community groups around Manitoba.

Pruden's story highlights the importance of acceptance, support and the rich cultural heritage of her community.

George Muswaggon, a respected Cree Knowledge Keeper, Elder and traditional practitioner from Cross Lake, Manitoba, has dedicated his life to Indigenous cultural preservation and community advocacy. A survivor of both Dayschool and Residential School, he draws on his personal experiences to empower First Nations communities. He is fluent in Cree, a pipe carrier and skilled in building Sundance lodges, George's deep connection to Cree traditions is rooted in his upbringing in a self-reliant, traditional environment. He and his wife, Melody, have a blended family of five children and two grandsons. As the Knowledge Keeper and Elder in Residence at the University of Manitoba, George shares his profound understanding of Indigenous traditions, governance and cultural preservation, leaving a lasting legacy of spiritual guidance and leadership in the Indigenous community. 

With over 36 years of experience in public administration and political advocacy, George has held significant roles, including Political Liaison for Pimicikamak Cree Nation, Executive Director at Awasis Agency of Northern Manitoba and Nikan Awasisak Agency Inc., and Grand Chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak. He also served as Band Councillor for Cross Lake First Nation.

Dolly Sirkudjuk Tinashlu's life is a testament to resilience and cultural preservation. Born on June 9, 1964, in Naujaat (Repulse Bay), Dolly has a rich family heritage with four sons, one daughter, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After leaving Naujuaat in 1999, she moved to Churchill, Manitoba and eventually settled in Winnipeg, adopting her grandson Norman. 

Dolly's commitment to sharing her knowledge is truly admirable. For 11 years she has been educating school-aged children about her culture through her artifacts and has played a significant role in various ceremonies. Her efforts ensure that the traditions and wisdom of her community are passed down to future generations.

Boozhoo! Mino-giizhigan. Gichi-Anishinaabe nd-izhinikaaz. Mina’igo-ziibiing nd-oonjii. Wiinibiigong izhidaa. Mikinaak niin ndoodem. Nin-gikino’amaage omaa Universitiing. Nisiwag ni-niijaanisag. Niswii noosisagindayaawaasg. Noongom ni-gagwe-nitaa-anishinaabem. Ninjiikendam. Gichi-miigwech gakina.

Mark Hall was born and raised in Sioux Valley Dakota Nation and has dedicated his life to serving others. As a traditional Dakota man, he is deeply connected to his community, finding joy in hunting and guiding children toward a good way of life. Mark draws inspiration from the teachings of his Dakota grandparents, using their wisdom to foster healing and provide direction for future generations. 

He has 35 plus years of traditional holistic training and understanding. Having been mentored by many Elders, Headmen and Spiritual leaders, he has acquired an in-depth knowledge of the Dakota seven sacred rites and seven sacred teachings.

He facilitates sweatlodge ceremonies, pipe ceremonies, keeping of the spirit ceremony and is an Eyaska (public speaker) for such ceremonies. Mark holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Native Studies and First Nation Counselling from Brandon University, and has completed graduate courses in guidance and counselling through the Master of Education program.

Norman Meade was born in Bissett, Manitoba, and grew up in the Métis settlement of Manigotagan. 

He went to the public school in Manigotagan, the Ojibway word for Bad Throat School. He finished Grade 9 in Manigotagan and then went to the San Antonio High School in Bissett. In the early 1960s, Norman was hired at the gold mine in Bissett where he worked as a labourer and eventually became a full-fledged miner. During this time, Norman met Thelma Barker of Hollow Water First Nation whom he married in 1967. They have two children, six grandchildren and two-great grandchildren. They were married for 53 years until her passing. 

Norman continues to be active in the community, serving as an Elder and a Pastor. He serves on various boards in the city of Winnipeg. He is also an avid curler and is the founder of the Aboriginal Curling League of Winnipeg. He currently works at the University of Manitoba as an Elder-in-Residence for the Indigenous Student Centre.

Shirley Delorme Russell is a proud Métis woman from her momma in the heart of the Red River Métis nation and a humble Anisinaabekwe from her dad in the Land of the Sleeping Giant. She is the momma of two new adults. 

She is one of two Indigenous Librarian Interns at the University of Manitoba Libraries and is halfway through her Masters of Library & Information Sciences at the University of Alberta. A hyper history nerd at heart, Shirley loves to learn, organize and share with others.

Taylor Galvin is an Ojibway-Kwe from Brokenhead Ojibway Nation and a current graduate student working towards her Master's of Environment & Geography at the University of Manitoba. With deep roots in her community and a commitment to traditional teachings, she bridges Indigenous knowledge systems and western science to address pressing environmental and social challenges. Her contributions span diverse fields, including her leadership in the Lake Winnipeg Personhood case in collaboration with the Southern Chief’s Organization. Taylor has also been the Brokenhead Wetland Ecological Reserve Director for five years and sits on multiple other boards advocating for Indigenous voices.

Nicki Ferland (she/they) is a two-spirit Métis mother, wife, aunty and helper. Her parents are both descended from scrip-bearing Métis families with ancestral roots in St. Vital and St-Boniface (Winnipeg), and Lorette, Manitoba. Nicki has a Master of Education in Indigenous Land-Based Education from the University of Saskatchewan, and is working on her PhD in that field. She is the Director of Land-Based Education and Indigenous Curriculum at the University of Manitoba. Nicki is a caretaker for the UM Sweat Lodge and coordinates the Scaabe School program.

Blue Thundercloud from the Bear Clan, also known as Karen Courchene, has recently joined the Indigenous Student Centre as a Knowledge Keeper/Grandmother-in-residence. 

Karen grew up in Sagkeeng. She married and then relocated to Peguis, where she lived and worked for many years before moving to Winnipeg. She is a long-time educator who graduated from the University of Manitoba years ago. Karen is a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She can be addressed as Grandmother, Granny, Gran, Kookum , Auntie or Karen and feels greatly honoured to be referred to by any of these names. 

Kookum’s role is to support the students in any way possible to help ensure their journey at UM is successful. Karen truly enjoys meeting students, sharing teachings, talking, listening and supporting students in any way she can.

Sherry Copenace- Niizhoosake, Saagimaakwe (Anishinaabe/Spirit Names), Atik dodem (Elk Clan), Midewewin

Born and raised in the community of Ojibways of Onigaming on the east side of Lake of the Woods, Sherry is deeply rooted in Anishinaabe ways of knowing, being and living. Sherry speaks her original language, Ojibway, and has a great love for the land and waters. Sherry was gifted with a Water song (with her sister Hazel), a Grandmother Moon song and Makoosekawin song by the Spirits. 

Sherry helps at many Anishinaabe teaching and sacred lodges. Since 2011, Sherry has led Makoosekawin, coming-of-age teachings and ceremonies for young Anishinaabe women. She is part of a Knowledge Holders/Keepers Council at the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba, AKI Research Institute at Lakehead University and Decolonizing Water. She has been invited to Peru, Columbia, New Zealand and Australia for knowledge-sharing and exchanges focused on water and land. In August 2022, she co-taught a McGill University field course on Anishinaabe Laws with Professor Aaron Mills and Dr. Harry Bone. 

Sherry has a Master of Social Work degree, is a registered social worker and is employed at the University of Manitoba in the Master of Social Work based in Indigenous Knowledges (MSW-IK) program. Sherry's knowledge and lived experience are sought after by various institutions and organizations.

Tagaaq Evaluardjuk-Palmer is one of the last generation of Elders born and raised out on the traditional lands of the Inuit. During her youth, Tagaaq survived in a natural environment with her family before they were relocated to Frobisher Bay, Nunavut by the Government of Canada. This resulted in a culture shock as many families were removed from their traditional lifestyles and placed into a settled Canadian styled community. As a child, Tagaaq attended the Apex Federal Day School from 1960 to 1967, Churchill Vocational School from 1967 to 1968 and then went on to Keewatin Community College for Office Management.

Tagaaq has sat on many boards such as the YMCA, the Midwifery Training Program, the Manitoba Inuit Association Band, Inuit Health Research Committee and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s Survivors Circle. Tagaaq is a grandmother and great-grandmother who enjoys being involved in community events and educational programming whenever she can.