Candace Brunette-Debassige is a Mushkego Cree of the Petabeck First Nation in Treaty 9 with Cree and French lineage. Raised in small town northern Ontario, Candace now works as an Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Master’s Indigenous Relations Program in the School of Indigenous Relations and Co-Director of the Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute (MIRI) at Laurentian University. Prior to joining Laurentian, she served in numerous leadership roles at Western University including ;Director of Indigenous Education in the Faculty of Education, Acting Vice Provost /Associate Vice President (Indigenous Initiative), Special Advisor to the Provost (Indigenous), and Director of Indigenous Services. Her scholarship is based in the fields of Indigenous educational leadership and policy studies where she has published widely in her field. Her most notable publication is her book Tricky Grounds, focusing on Indigenous women’s powerful leadership roles in advancing reconciliation and Indigenization movements in Canadian universities post-TRC. Tricky Grounds was awarded a Canada Prize by the Federation of Social Science and Humanities in 2025 and is based on her doctoral dissertation, which was the recipient of a 2021 George L. Geis dissertation of the year award by the Canadian Society for Studies in Higher Education. Candace is also a recipient of a 2019 Peace Award for Truth and Reconciliation from Atlôhsa Family Services, and a 2021 international Peace and Reconciliation Award from the Association of Commonwealth Universities.

Nicole Wemigwans is from Serpent River First Nation and Wikwemikong Unceded Territory. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the School of Indigenous Relations at Laurentian University and a PhD student in Cultural Studies at Queen's University. Her research focus is on Anishinaabe parenting, matriarchy, and nation building. She is the mother to a young son and an auntie. Both of these roles have taught her innumerable lessons about kinship structures along with her own family structure of having a matriarchal leader in her family who had knowledge of ceremony, plant medicine, ash baskets, and bread making. Nicole teaches Indigenous Social Work focusing on theory, programs, and cultural helping.

Aanii, boozhoo, my name is Randy Pitawanakwat, I am Anishinaabe from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and Atikameksheng Anishnawbek. I am a tenure track professor in the school of Indigenous Social Work at Laurentian University. I am currently working towards my PhD with a focus on Anishinaabe fatherhood and masculinity. I also currently hold the position of Associate Director of Maamwizing. Prior to my work at the post secondary level, I worked with the Indigenous community in the Toronto area for over a decade as a social worker. My direction and knowledge comes from a collection of understandings from oral tradition and experiences throughout my life with my family and community.

Paula Pitawanakwat has joined Laurentian University’s Social Work Program as a

Master Lecturer, bringing experience and cultural insight. An Anishinaabe Kwe from

Serpent River First Nation, Paula is deeply connected to her roots and traditions. With

over 15 years in social work, she has a strong background in helping Indigenous and

minority communities through counselling, case management, and mental health

support for children and youth.

Paula’s knowledge of Indigenous practices, cultural preservation, and holistic healing

adds valuable perspectives to her teaching. She is passionate about addressing the

social and systemic challenges faced by these communities, emphasizing culturally

responsive approaches, holistic development, traditional Anishinaabe parenting, and

family interconnectedness. As a wife, mother, and dedicated advocate for decolonizing

social work, Paula is excited to join the Maamwizing Indigenous Research team and work towards these important goals.

Sharlene Webkamigad, Indigenous health researcher, educator and advocate, is a PhD Candidate at the School of Rural and Northern Health at Laurentian University. Her research focuses on Indigenous health, particularly in supporting aging Indigenous populations. She has led several research projects and has an academic background in Indigenous Relations, Nursing, and Geriatric Health. Sharlene actively contributes to community-based research and consulting while being recognized through awards and publications for her dedication to Indigenous health and well-being. 

Brent [Ahnungoonhs] Debassige, is an Ojibwe-Anishinaabe scholar from M’Chigeeng First Nation on Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada). In January 2025, he joined the School of Liberal Arts in the Faculty of Arts at Laurentian University as an Associate Professor in Indigenous Studies. Prior to starting his position at Laurentian, Brent spent fifteen years as a full-time faculty member in the Faculty of Education at Western University in London, ON. His research interests are focussed in the areas of First Nations land-based education, Indigenous research methodologies, and Indigenous knowledge.

Alicia is an assistant professor with the school of Indigenous Social Work at Laurentian University.

Tammy Naponse is a Masters Student of Indigenous Relations,  Registered Early Childhood Educator, Registered Social Worker, and a Laurentian Honours Indigenous Social Work graduate from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek.  Tammy's research centers around place-based play.  She is a proud mother of three and a grandmother of two and an Auntie to many.

Elizabeth Carlson-Manathara is a non-Indigenous scholar whose work focuses on the roles of non-Indigenous peoples in decolonization, reconciliation, Treaty, and LANDBACK; and on anti-colonial methodologies and decolonial change through public education and film. She is a Treaty relative of the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850, and is currently pursuing research related to the Treaty opportunities and obligations of non-Indigenous treaty partners in relation to Indigenous peoples and lands. Liz also supports Indigenous-led community driven research, and teaches social change and social work practice courses as an associate professor in the School of Social Work. She is co-author of the book Living in Indigenous Sovereignty and a filmmaker with the Stories of Decolonization Film Project.

Bio coming soon

Aanii, Boojoo, Hello,

It's my pleasure to introduce myself. My spirit name is Ginew Kwe (Golden Eagle Woman), and I am also known as Taryn in English. I belong to the Martin clan, and I am a member of the Michipicoten First Nation, which is beautifully situated along the shores of Lake Superior. I hold a Juris Doctor degree with an Indigenous Specialization from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law. Currently, I am employed as a full-time Lecturer at Laurentian University within the Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work program.

The traits bestowed upon me through my spirit name and spirit itself are emblematic; the Golden Eagle, known for flying higher than the Bald Eagle, possesses a vision that is both more powerful and far-reaching. I channel these qualities into my advocacy work. At present, I am furthering my education by pursuing a Master's in Indigenous Relations. My research focuses on the revitalization of Indigenous Laws and Legal Orders, particularly through the perspective of Anishinaabe Kwe.

I view it as my duty to disseminate knowledge of our Anishinaabe laws. This mission extends beyond our communities, aiming to educate non-Indigenous individuals, settlers, and allies alike. This endeavor has become a personal commitment, through which I strive to advocate for the revitalization of Indigenous law for the Anishinaabe Peoples, emphasizing our inherent jurisdiction, and sharing my insights.