Indigenous Initiatives

Josh is a descendant of Chief Louie Azawanimikii and is a member of the Thunderbird Clan, Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve. As a pipe carrier and active member of the United Chiefs and Council of Mnido Mnising Elders Council, he enjoys attending and helping with traditional ceremonies. As the Elder in Residence for Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute since 2013, he supports the spiritual and emotional needs of both students and staff for balance and wellness. Josh is an avid volunteer in his community, and enjoys coaching minor hockey, helping with cultural events, and outdoor activities, and enjoys walks with nature.

Born & raised in Apex Hill, Nunavut. Lived traditionally and learned how to sew traditional clothing. Brought up with 8 siblings and lots of cousins. Happily married to Randall LeDrew, and between us, we have 7 children and grandchildren. She is actively working with the Urban Inuit community in Toronto. She has been elected to be an Inuit community knowledge keeper. She does ceremonial openings for organizations and has served lightening qulliq (oil lamp) for Ontario's Ministers. She makes her own outfits for performances at Pow Wow gatherings, throat singing & drum dancing. She has done presentations for Universities and symposiums on Inuit well-being. Her favorite pastime is sewing seal skin and creating art & crafts.

"It means a lot to me to spread my cultural existence and my heritage to people of another country, and help Inuit culture to be recognized throughout the world. I’m very grateful to Avatâra for facilitating this cultural exchange. I’m looking forward to our research and time together in Iqaluit and Dresden and I hope we can bring it back to the Canadian audiences" Naulaq LeDrew

Nancy Rowe, Mississauga, Anishinaabe, New Credit First Nation

Giidaakunadaad (The Spirit Who Lives in High Places) n’dizhinikaaz (is my name). Nancy Rowe is a Mississauga, Ojibwe of the Anishinaabek Nation located at New Credit First Nation, ON. Nancy holds an honors BA in Indigenous Studies and Political Science. She is an educator, consultant, and a Traditional Practitioner of Anishinaabek lifeway’s, views, and customary practices and is currently completing a Master’s degree in Environmental Resource Studies at the University of Waterloo. She is an avid volunteer who coordinates Akinomaagaye Gaamik, a grassroots initiative to provide educational opportunities for all peoples interested in Indigenous perspectives of life, health, education, history, and the environment. “Education is the doorway through which we all can create a common ground and understanding of not only Indigenous Peoples but also, and more importantly, our environment.”