Welcome Address
NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun is a member of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nations. NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun’s father is from Aazhoodena (the Stony Point First Nation) and his mother is from Aamjiwnaang (the Chippewas of Sarnia First Nation). NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun is Anishnaabe Ojokwe = one of many terms for Two Spirit Two Heart. He is a first generation residential school survivor; his mother Sylvia was the survivor. He is a survivor of the Federal Indian Day School system. NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun is a family member to the late Dudley George of the Ipperwash Crisis. NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun is an aunty/uncle to 87 nieces and nephews. He has worked with Indigenous people all his life, both on and off the reserve. He grew up on “da Rez”. NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun has made presentations on Indigenous matters at local, provincial, national, and international platforms. He lives in the Dish With One Spoon Treaty Territory and works in the Justice field.
As a Two Spirit-Two Heart person, NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun holds a unique and respected role within the circles he is part of and joins us as this year’s Keynote Speaker.
Through storytelling, NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun will explore the conference theme, The Mighty Current, imparting powerful lessons on respect, balance, community, and the sacred relationship between health and well-being and the natural world. By bringing his sacred bundle, he will create meaningful opportunities for dialogue, growth, and mutual understanding.
NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun is both humbled and honored to share parts of his journey, teachings, and sacred bundle with the PHE Community to deepen learning and connecting.