GRANDMOTHERS’ AND GRANDFATHERS’ COUNCIL
HELEN ROBINSON-SETTEE
Tansi. Aniin. Boozhoo. Helen is Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) from Dauphin River First Nation in the interlake region of Manitoba. She currently resides in Winnipeg, Treaty 1 territory and homeland of her nation the Anishinaabeg. Helen's first language is Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) and is honoured that her parents spoke their language in their home. She learned to speak English when she entered the public school system. She understands her language fluently, writes and speaks Anishinaabemowin semi-fluently.
Helen is a lifelong educator and is retired from the Province of Manitoba. She has a Bachelor of Education and a Masters of Education from the University of Manitoba. Helen is also active as a Kookum/Grandmother and Knowledge Keeper on a number of education, community and health boards/organizations. Helen lives The Good Life as an Anishinaabe-kwe and shares her knowledge and experiences with the various teachings she has been gifted. Helen is a wife, mother of two adult sons and a proud Kookum (Grandmother) to three beautiful grandchildren.
IVY CHASKE
Ivy Chaske is a Dakota Grandmother, Elder, and Knowledge Keeper. She has been working with the NorWest Co-op Community Health Intervention and Outreach Team for over three years and provides teachings and support to the youth participants and their families. She has been instrumental in changing the way the Intervention and Outreach Team approaches wraparound supports and was invited to sit on the Wrap Canada board two years ago.
She has dedicated her life to working on Indigenous issues through community activism and is passionate about improving relationships and developing alliances with non-Indigenous people. Ivy believes that traditional teachings are a foundation for the work that IOT does with youth and families and that through reclaiming this knowledge youth will develop a sense of pride in their identity, strength of spirit and belonging, and a sense of place within their Indigenous Nation.
DR. MARY WILSON
Dr. Mary Wilson is known to many as Grandmother Of Four Directions and Walks With Wolves. Renowned in Canada and many parts of the world as a spiritual teacher, Spirit Walker, and Healer. Mary focuses on rebuilding community and individual strength and independence through a wide range of therapies, practices and guided spiritual programs to ultimately create a better life and place for everyone. Her gentle presence has touched many lives over the past forty years helping people heal, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Mary shares a short and empowering message for our people.
FLORENCE PAYNTER
Florence Paynter is from Sandy Bay First Nation and a band member of Norway House Cree Nation. She is a third degree Mide Anishinabekwe and holds a Masters Degree in Education from UM. Florence speaks Anishinabe fluently and has been involved in many language and cultural initiatives and ceremonies. She helps teach the cultural and spiritual knowledge and traditions of the Anishinabe people. Florence attended residential school and works hard to teach about the history of her people, the legacy of Indian residential schools and its impact on us as people. She believes that we can be proud of who we are by learning about our own families, our own histories and our own languages.
PHILLIP PAYNTER
Philip Paynter is from Norway House Cree Nation and is a fourth degree Midewiwin of the Minwewewigan Lodge. Elder Paynter served for many years as a spiritual advisor and Elder at Stony Mountain Penitentiary. He is also a retired cultural teacher having taught young people about tradition and spirituality at the Niji Mahkwa School in Winnipeg, MB, and a former counsellor for First Nations students at all levels in the education system.
WANBDI WAKITA
Wanbdi Wakita, from Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, has spent a lifetime making prayers for people and is a member of the University of Manitoba's Respectful Rematriation Repatriation Ceremony Council. As a residential school survivor, peacekeeper with the Canadian Armed Forces, former Chief of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, and Sundance Chief, Wanbdi has walked many paths. Wanbdi sits on numerous councils for organizations such as the Winnipeg and Louis Riel School Divisions Grandparents' Advisory Councils and the MKO Traditional Healer Program. In 2016, he received the Order of Manitoba for his lifelong work to support those in need and promote unity among peoples. After thirty-three years working in corrections he transitioned into the role of Grandfather in Residence for the University of Manitoba Access Program.
