about us
Discover more about our story, our values, and the passion that drives us. Miigwetch.
PERRY MCLEOD-SHABOGESIC
Perry McLeod-Shabogesic of the "Crane Clan" is an Ojibway Anishinabe from Nbisiing (Nipissing) First Nation (NFN). The Ojibway people are a tribe within the larger Anishinabek Nation whose territory spans largely around the central Great Lakes of North America. NFN is located on the north shores of Lake Nipissing in Northern Ontario, Canada.
Perry is the Manager of Cultural Services for the “Niijaansinaanik Child & Family Services in Dokis First Nation. He is an Elder/Helper/Resource Person for our Member First Nations of Wasauksing, Shawanaga, Magnetawan, Henvey, Dokis, and Wahnapitae First Nations. In this role, he has been assisting Children & families and First Nation staff in the area of traditional medicine, teachings, ceremonies, and workshops.
Perry’s spirit name is "Anzoked", which means "Story Teller" in Anishinabemowin. He is a “Helper/Oshkaabewis” of the Anishinabek Nation Eagle Staff & Bundle. He is also a recognized Traditional Helper/Oshkaabewis/Pipe Carrier assisting and facilitating ceremonies and traditional activities such as sharing circles, flint & striker, fire teachings, pipe ceremonies, sweats, medicine wheel teachings, western door/funeral ceremonies/teachings, medicine walks/workshops, traditional art, harvesting game & wild medicines and one on one or group counseling for individuals and families upon request.
Perry has been an artist, cartoonist, writer, traditional helper, medicine harvester, and cultural resource person in and around his community for many years. Shabogesic has worked within the school system for over 25 years visiting classrooms across Ontario and sharing his artistic gifts with children.
Using art as a way to teach about local culture, history, and self-expression Perry has and continues to work with Aboriginal youth to celebrate art.
McLeod-Shabogesic has sat on the OAC as a juror many times as well as accessed funding to facilitate a number of “Artist in the Classroom” and "Artist in Residence” projects over the years including recent projects as a member of Aanmitaagzi. Today, Perry continues to visit classrooms today celebrating art with students. He has also worked for his people in the areas of health, social services, education, and culture.
About 20 years ago, Perry also developed a comic strip called "Baloney & Bannock". Since then, it has slowly become a cult favorite amongst many
of the Anishinabek communities. He has worked closely with world-renowned cartoonist Lynn Johnston (For Better or For Worse) helping her develop storylines for her strip as well as improving his own techniques. From politics to culture he loves to poke fun. Perry says, "If you can't laugh at yourself and the world around you, then I'm more than willing to help ya!"
Perry’s other artwork includes logos and fine art using acrylic and mixed media. He has developed his artistic style from traditional woodland images and rock paintings. He has often been asked to speak on many Aboriginal issues by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organizations across Ontario, Canada, and the United States. Presently Perry is also an Elder/Helper/Advisor for the Ministry of the Attorney General, Canadore Collage, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Indigenous Primary Health Care Council, Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre, North Bay Indigenous Hub, and the Indigenous Advanced Education Council as well as other local agencies and First Nations.
LAURIE MCLEOD-SHABOGESIC
Laurie McLeod-Shabogesic (Benaabehkwe) is an Ojibwe member of the Nipissing First Nation. A journalist by trade, she began her career as the first official Editor of the Anishinabek News proudly launching and running the publication in its foundational years. Like many in her family, she was soon drawn to the field of Anishinaabe health care where she has worked provincially for the Union of Ontario Indians, nationally as a Health Promotions Officer for the Assembly of First Nations, and internationally as an HIV/AIDS Specialist for the country of Malawi in Africa.
Laurie is deeply interested in Traditional Medicines particularly those related to women’s health, healthy pregnancies, and infant development. She enjoys learning and creating resources promoting Anishinaabemowin and Anishinaabe Bimaadiziwin. She’s an avid craftsperson and often facilitates workshops on a wide range of traditional topics from leatherwork, beadwork, quillwork, sewing regalia, Ojibwe moss bag making, hand drums, and other craftwork. Laurie and her husband Perry have been married for over 35 years and have four beautiful children and one precious grandson named Shkodeninj (Hand of Fire).
Upon returning home, she re-joined the Anishinabek Nation where she worked as an FASD Program Coordinator for 17.5 years. The majority of her work was devoted to developing culturally-based programs and services as well as providing capacity-building training to frontline workers in 40 First Nation communities. She has also worked in education for the Anishinabek Educational Institute, as well as serving on the board for the Shki-Maawtch-Taw-Win-En-Mok Project, helping to oversee the design of a culturally-based curriculum for the Rainbow District School Board.
Laurie deeply enjoys all things traditional, particularly her work in Traditional Medicines. She led the development of the Mshkiki Detibisenh (Medicine Wheel depicting 64 medicines found in Anishinabek territory). She most recently coordinated and hosted a Traditional Medicine Conference bringing together healers from across the Anishinabek Nation. As a trained Doula, Laurie is often asked to conduct workshops on Traditional Teachings and medicines for Healthy Pregnancies. She also conducts traditionally based sessions to help families caring for children with special needs.
Before stepping into her current role as Anishinaabemowin Coordinator with the Anishinabek Nation Anishinaabemowin Department, Laurie worked within the Social Development Department as the Family Well-Being Coordinator. A key focus of the program was to support First Nation children and their families to heal and recover from the effects of intergenerational violence and trauma.
Echo MCLEOD-SHABOGESIC
Echo McLeod-Shabogesic is a devoted advocate and community leader from Nipissing First Nation. "With a rich background in trauma-informed care, Indigenous justice, and conflict resolution, my career has been centered on supporting and empowering Indigenous communities. From my role as a Community Justice/Criminal Court Worker at the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre to my current position as a Sharing Together Facilitator & Alternative Dispute Resolution specialist at Niijaansinaanik Child and Family Services, I have tirelessly worked to reduce the over-representation of Indigenous peoples in the justice system, promoting healing through culturally grounded approaches.
My commitment to equity, inclusivity, and positive change has led me to contribute as a member of the Indigenous Justice Advisory Committee with the Ministry of the Attorney General. Here, I have been involved in innovative strategies to enhance justice outcomes for Indigenous peoples in Ontario. Through my skills in mediation, community engagement, and event planning, I have forged meaningful connections and effectively advocated for systemic reform.
Outside of my professional pursuits, I am deeply rooted in cultural practices. I have completed my rites of passage, a transformative one-year berry fast ceremony, and I am open to sharing this journey with young women seeking guidance. As an avid crafter, I am trained in beading, sewing, and leather work, skills which I cherish as important aspects of Anishinaabe culture. My newest endeavor combines these passions with Anishinaabe Art-Therapy, integrating non-intrusive art therapy techniques with traditional art forms to promote healing and well-being. I am honored to serve as a Shkaabewis (helper), committed to fostering cultural resilience and empowering individuals through traditional knowledge and contemporary practices."