Meet Our Team
Our dedicated team of researchers at Maamwizing Institute is committed to advancing knowledge and innovation in various fields.
Director:
Nicole Wemigwans
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.
Associate Director:
Randy Pitawanakwat
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.
Secretary/ Treasurer:
Paula Pitawanakwat
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.
Full Member
Sharlene Webkamigad
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.
Graduate Student Representative:
Carla Petahtegoose
Carla Petahtegoose is an Anishnawbe Kwe from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek. Her nooswin (name) is Nimkii Kwe (Thunder Woman), and belongs to Omashkoohns Dodem (Elk Clan). She has 17 years of experience working with First Nations families and communities and has lived experience serving as a helper, supervisor, and mentor. Carla is working with MERC(Mineral Exploration Research Center) and MERC team members to research further traditional knowledge in geoscience. Carla continues to dedicate service to the community and the field of social work. She served on the Chief and Council in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek from 2018 to 2020. Carla graduated with a Bachelor of Honours in Indigenous Social Work from Laurentian University and is currently enrolled in their Masters of Indigenous Relations Program completing her Thesis on Perspectives of Transformative Power of ‘Nibi” Water and ‘Shkode’ Fire Ceremonies” using Eagle Staff as a framework. She serves as the Graduate Student Representative on the Executive Committee of the Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute. Carla has developed and delivered training and professional development seminars for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations. She has a continued invested interest in treaty and inherent rights in mining industry relations and brings Anishnawbe worldviews, traditions, and protocols to her team and research.
Allied Member Representative:
Elizabeth Carlson-Manathara
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.
Indigenous Representative of the Community At Large:
Taryn Michel
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.
Partnered Member:
Ophelia Moses-O’Donnell
Aanii kina wiya,
My name is Ophelia, and my native name is Noodin Kwe. I was raised in the Upper Ottawa Valley. My nation is Henvey Inlet First Nation with ties to Garden Village and Wiki. As an eshpi’akinoomaagizijig (Indigenous scholar), my focus has always been on the health and wellness of Indigenous people, especially Anishinaabe kweok. I hold a B.A Hons in psychology and am currently completing a M.A in experimental psychology. I am honored to be involved in community work, as well as scholarly work that supports community based programs and initiatives. Otherwise, I like to bead, be on the land and hang out with my dog.
Maamwizing Research Projects Coordinator
Taylor Watkins
Taylor Watkins is a non-Indigenous ally and settler residing in the Robinson-Huron Treaty
Territory and traditional lands of Atikameksheng Anishinabek. Taylor is a recent graduate from
the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Health Program at Laurentian University, where she
researched the stigmatization of existing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder prevention campaigns.
Taylor also holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Specialization in Psychology from Laurentian
University. She works as the Maamwizing Research Projects Coordinator with the Maamwizing
Indigenous Research Institute and aspires to contribute to reconciliation through continued
learning.