Miigwech to our Partners
Supporters, artists, and funders that make the our vision possible.
The Lake Winnipeg Foundation (LWF) provided critical administrative and financial resources to launch and develop the organizational capacity of the collective.
The ongoing collaborative relationship between LWF and the collective is unique and evolving over time. We share a common goal of restoring the health of Lake Winnipeg. Ongoing support from LWF is part of their commitment to uphold treaty rights and responsibilities, including amplifying Indigenous voices, respecting Indigenous knowledge, and affirming Indigenous rights.
While the collaborative relationship and mutual support continues, the collective is incorporating as an independent
non-profit organization in 2021.
LWF is an environmental non-governmental organization that advocates for change and coordinates action to improve the health of Lake Winnipeg and its watershed.
LWF works collaboratively with non-profit, academic, industry and government sectors, First Nations and the public. LWF focuses on research, public education, policy and stewardship to protect our shared waters, now and for future generations. LWF aims to support and learn from the diverse voices speaking for the health of Lake Winnipeg.
Blake Angeconeb
Blake Angeconeb is an Anishinaabe woodlands artist who hails from Treaty 3 territory. His first venture into art began 6 years ago during a fun painting session with his younger niece, which has since launched him into a full-time career as an artist. Blake’s primary practice involves acrylics and multimedia on canvas, blending the school of woodlands art with pop culture references. Blake is a self-trained painter with a growing collection of small and large scale works who enjoys collaborating with other artists. He is part of the Caribou clan and a proud member of Lac Seul First Nation.
Visit Blake’s Instagram page here
Desmond Travers
Tansi, my name is Desmond Travers, I am Cree from Fisher River First Nations. I have two children, Oakson and Neela. I am a massage therapist and business owner of First Nation Massage Therapy. I'm currently the health and fitness coordinator at the Fisher River Fitness Centre located in Koostatak, Fisher River. I have been doing beadwork for almost ten years. I always had a passion to create beadwork. When I began my journey into beadwork, my goal was to get my people's (Cree) artwork out back into the world. I like to think my beadwork is the people's (Cree) artwork. Once I became skilled enough, I started to receive orders and people wanted my beadwork. I have created medallions, earrings, badges, bracelets, cuffs, lanyards, and feathers. My beadwork has been received by many people around Canada and someday I hope to have my people's artwork around the world. Ekosani
Leonard Sumner
Anishinaabe MC/Singer/Songwriter Leonard Sumner's storytelling flows directly from the shores of Little Saskatchewan First Nation, located in the heart of the Interlake of Manitoba.
Sumner's self-determined sound is evidence of his ability to simultaneously occupy landscapes of multiple musical genres including; Hip-Hop, Spoken Word, Country, and Rhythm and Blues.
With every vibration of the strings on his guitar, Leonard rattles the dust off truths that have been buried for far too long. On stage he poetically sings awake the consciousness of audiences may have been unaware of their slumber.
In this era of unsettling history and healing wounds of the past, Sumner's music is an expression of medicine that walks the line between fortitude and fragility.
Support Leonard here: Music | Leonard Sumner (bandcamp.com)
Reanna Merasty
Reanna Merasty (Cree, Barren Lands First Nation) is the Co-Founder of the Indigenous Design and Planning Student Association at the University of Manitoba (UofM), advocating for representation and inclusion in design education, and the Co-Editor of the publication “Voices of the Land: Indigenous Design and Planning from the Prairies.” Reanna is an MArch Candidate at the UofM, and an Architectural Intern, focusing on reciprocity and land-based pedagogy.
Kevin Settee
Kevin Settee was born in raised in Winnipeg's west end, and currently resides in Selkirk, Manitoba. With roots in Matheson Island and Fisher River Cree Nation, Kevin's work currently includes photography, documentary filmmaking and mentoring youth in digital media, social justice and community land-based education. He is also the Writer and Director of a 4 part documentary series with the National Film Board of Canada titled: The Lake Winnipeg Project.
