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Celebrating Indigenous Students

February 26 - March 1, 2024

Enji giigdoyang, the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, welcomes students, staff, faculty and community to engage in a series of talks, workshops, and film screenings by Indigenous knowledge holders, professionals, writers, scholars, artists, and filmmakers. Please join us for one or many sessions throughout the week.

Speakers Biographies

Elder Mike Couchie

Mike Couchie is from Nipissing First Nation and has over 35 years of experience supporting community as a respected knowledge holder, traditional teacher, sweat lodge conductor, and pipe carrier. Mike has also worked extensively in the court system. Mike currently provides students with guidance and support through the Visiting Elder Program in the Office of Indigenous Initiatives.

Brenda Lee

Brenda Lee is a first nation Cree women from Ermineskin Band located in Maskwacis Alberta. She grew up with 5 brothers and 5 sisters. Brenda was fortunate to have spent her formative years with her nohkom Nancy Oldpan, teaching her how to sew, bead and learn the cultural teachings. Brenda developed the interest and wisdom in the art forms and later acquiring certificates in Native Cultural Arts Instructor, Artisan and Advanced Arts 2005/2007 from Portage College in Lac La Biche Alberta.

Brenda was able to work in communities teaching in cultural camps, rites of passage, 13 step home tanned hides, teepee making workshops, moccasin making, harvesting porcupine quills, regalia making, ceremonial articles, producing items for private collections, and contemporary jewellery.

Brenda’s focus is on restoring our Cultural heritage through the arts, specializing and working primarily within the cultural arts programs. She is able to deliver a professional step by step instructional workshop to develop and construct a superior quality product, to expand and enhancing creativity in reclaiming our pride as First Nations peoples. It is important for Brenda to teach individuals who are willing to learn about the creation of the product and what it takes to produce it.

Brenda now resides in beautiful Nipissing First Nation in Ontario and continues to Instruct with natural and contemporary materials as a sought after Artisan.

Moira McComb

Wachiye/Hello!

My name’s Moira McComb. I’m an Illiluiskwew (Cree woman) from Moose Cree First Nation located on Moose Factory Island, ON. I’m an upper year student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies here at Nipissing University. Outside of school, I like to spend time beading, going out to the bush to camp, harvest, and hunt, as well as attending traditional ceremonies.

Vanessa Joseph

Kuei, I am Vanessa Joseph, Innushkueu from Uashat mak Mani-Utenam. It is my first year at Nipissing University in the Indigenous Foundations Program. I am a self-taught beadwork artist, a painter, and a new seamstress.

Cheriann Pearson

Kinew kwe ndishnikaaz, Gtigaaning ndoonjibaa, nme baawtigong ndoondaa, Anishinaabe wiyaa ndaaw

My name is Cheriian, I am a NFN member my clan is eagle. I am a second year social work student.

Thaila Sarazin

Thaila Sarazin, a member of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan, Golden Lake, has been assisting with cultural education in and around the community of North Bay for most of her life. She completed her Bachelor of Arts Honours degree at Nipissing University in 2017. She now travels to sing with her husband, Gerry McComb and his drum group at round dances and powwow. During the week, she volunteers to teach women's songs to youth at West Ferris high school and occasionally assists a local elder for events.

Kelsey Borgford

Kelsey Borgford is Nbisiing Nishnaabe, and resides in her traditional territory of Nipissing First Nation. She is from the marten clan, and Couchie family. Kelsey is constantly seeking to become educated, and educate about the culture. In all she does, her own Nokomis-baa is central to her story.

More information:

• Once the Smudge is Lit - Kegedonce Press
• What’s in a Bead? (publishersweekly.com)
• New children’s book inspired by the art of beading - Windspeaker.com

Connor Lafortune

G’chi Waabshka Mukwa ndizhinikaaz miinwaa Nimkiins ndizhinikaaz bineshiinh ndondem Okikendawt ndonjiibaa Anishinaabe nini ndow.

Connor Lafortune is from Dokis First Nation on Robinson Huron Treaty territory of 1850 in Northeastern Ontario. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree at Nipissing University with a Double Honours Major in Indigenous Studies and Gender Equality and Social Justice with a minor in Legal Studies. He is currently enrolled in a Masters in Indigenous Relations at Laurentian University. Connor is Anishinaabek, Queer, and Francophone. He works primarily in Life Promotion, harm-reduction, mental health, and Indigenous education through organisations such as the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation, School Mental Health Ontario, Cannabis and Psychosis Canada, and the Feather Carriers for Life Promotion. Above all else, Connor is a poet, an activist, a shkaabewis (helper), and a compassionate human being.

Resources:

• Wise Practices for Youth
• A Life Promotion Toolkit by Indigenous Youth - Wise Practices