Kathy Absolon, MSW, PhD:
I am Anishinaabe kwe from Flying Post First Nation (on my mother’s side) and British ancestry on my father’s side. I acknowledge that my Anishinaabe knowledge has been informed by the teachings from Herb Nabigon-ban, Edna Manitowabi, Eddie Benton-Benai, Jim Dumont, and Banakonda Kennedy-Kish Bell (to name a few). The spirit of the land, Shkagamik-kwe (Mother Earth), informs my wholistic teaching, research, and practice. I am an Associate Professor in the Indigenous Field of Study MSW Program and Director of the Centre for Indigegogy at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Jo-Anne Absolon, MSW:
I am Anishinaabe kwe from Flying Post First Nation and work wholistically with incarcerated individuals. I graduated with my MSW in 2014 and began to work within a program that facilitates inmates learning more about their Indigenous culture. My work has brought me in contact with many vulnerable Indigenous individuals who are interested in doing intensive healing.
Lana Brasher, MSW:
I am Anishinaabe kwe from Serpent River First Nation and, at the time of sharing my story, I worked wholistically in urban Indigenous housing and community programs. In my mid-thirties, I was introduced to various cultural teachings and practices through Indigenous conferences and workshops, which catapulted my life in another direction. I furthered my education by obtaining various university degrees that include my MSW through the Indigenous Field of Study Program at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Kathy Absolon, MSW, PhD: I am Anishinaabe kwe from Flying Post First Nation (on my mother’s side) and British ancestry on my father’s side. I acknowledge that my Anishinaabe knowledge has been informed by the teachings from Herb Nabigon-ban, Edna Manitowabi, Eddie Benton-Benai, Jim Dumont, and Banakonda Kennedy-Kish Bell (to name a few). The spirit of the land, Shkagamik-kwe (Mother Earth), informs my wholistic teaching, research, and practice. I am an Associate Professor in the Indigenous Field of Study MSW Program and Director of the Centre for Indigegogy at Wilfrid Laurier University.