About Us

Topher Burke (he/him/they) is a Two-Spirit, sixth-generation Métis. While hard at work learning the family business, they are also a volunteer firefighter, their Métis Chartered Community President, they represent their region on the Provincial 2SLGBTQQIA+ Council within the Métis Nation BC (the first of its kind for an Indigenous nation in Canada!), sit on the Mawiiyahk Nakatikashoo 2SLGBTQQIA+ National Committee, and gratefully facilitates two different suicide intervention workshops to communities across province of British Columbia.

Having a lived experience of suicidality, he is now a passionate advocate of training people to have the skills he needed someone to have in their time of crisis.

Growing up Two-Spirit in colonial western culture proved challenging, being disconnected from the culture of their ancestors. Now they are actively (re)learning, and sharing the teachings cut-off by their grandparents out of fear of the residential schools. They are on a mission to educate our modern world on the value of Ceremony, Culture, Community, & Connection as a powerful way of keeping all our people alive and flourishing.

Rob Anderson, Apisâsin-Mashkwa, Little Bear (he/him/they) is a proud Two-Spirit Métis with ninth generation ties to HBC’s Prince of Wales Fort and York Factory, both on Hudson Bay, and on to the Red River Settlements of St Andrews Parish and Diocese of Rupert’s Land (now known as Winnipeg). Besides Anderson, Robs Family names include Sinclair, Cook, Desmarais, DeMoran, Trottier, and Norton.

Having grown up in the colonial way, Rob has worked hard to re-establish Métis culture and ceremony in his life since coming into himself as Two-Spirit. Today, besides working full time as an analyst at a BC Crown Corporation, Rob volunteers as President of his Métis Nation BC (MNBC) Chartered Community, Regional Representative of the MNBC newly elected Provincial 2SLGBTQQIA+ Council (first of its kind in Canada) and sits in circle on Mawiiahk Nakatikashoo, the 2SLGBTQQIA+ National Committee.

Continuing to come into circle, learning Ceremony, Culture, Community and Connection through the wise words and teachings of his loving 2SLGBTQQIA+ Sisters and Kokums, is Robs hearts desire. His vision in this life is to assist in creating a safe, loving pathway for his 2SLGBTQQIA+ kin, to come into themselves in BC and across this homeland. This will in turn, help Rob re-establish his 2SLGBTQQIA+ kin as spiritual leaders, healers, and caregivers within their Métis communities, allowing them to live their lives as medicine to not only their communities, but all peoples of Turtle Island with the Kokums, Ancestors and Creator guiding all in a good way.

Kinata Toorenburgh (they/them) is a Two-Spirit, Bungi-Métis person. Their Métis family names are Bruce, Cook, Short, Cocking, and McNabb. Kinata’s Métis ancestors lived in the Red River Settlement and moved west toward High Bluff, White Horse Plains, and Portage le Prairie. Kinata is also mixed Canadian and Australian settler on their mother’s side, and their father is an immigrant from the Netherlands. Live as a visitor with permission in lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ territories in so-called Victoria, BC. Kinata is an academic who holds an Honours Degree in Anthropology with a minor in Indigenous Studies and a Master of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Victoria. Now, Kinata is pursuing my PhD in Anthropology and Indigenous Nationhood with their thesis project focusing on Two-Spirit Métis joy, wellness, and resurgence. In recognition of their research, Kinata has been awarded the prestigious Vanier Scholarship, and for their scholarly and professional work at the University of Victoria, Kinata received a Distinguished Alumni award from the UVic in 2024. Kinata is also an artist focusing on beadwork, regalia making, music, and drag. Kinata has been involved in activism for many years and has volunteered on the 2SLGBTQQIA+ advisory committees of Métis Nation Greater Victoria and Métis Nation BC as well as the Two-Spirits in Motion Society’s youth council. Kinata is excited to use their experience, training, and art on this committee with hopes of advancing the rights, recognition, inclusion, and celebration of Indigiqueer, gender diverse, and Two-Spirit Métis people within our Nation and across Turtle Island.

Jocelyn Ormerod is a proud Two-Spirit Métis woman with deep familial ties to Lebret, Saskatchewan, nestled within the Qu’Appelle Valley. She descends from the LaRocque, Pelletier, Sinclair, Charette, and LePlante families, among many others.

In 2015, she moved to Saskatoon to attend the University of Saskatchewan. Throughout her time at USask, she has completed: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Indigenous Studies (2020), Certificate in Indigenous Governance and Politics (2020), and Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Nation-Building (2024). Jocelyn is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration.
Jocelyn is dedicated to supporting Indigenous students in higher education. As the Rawlinson Centre Coordinator at the Edwards School of Business, she leads Indigenous student support initiatives.

Jocelyn’s engagement with the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan (MN–S) began in her youth, continuing a family legacy of Métis political involvement. Today, she upholds that tradition as the President of Gabriel Dumont Local 11, where she advocates for and represents Métis and Michif in Saskatoon.

Beyond her professional and leadership roles, Jocelyn is a devoted daughter, sister, and wife. She is also a talented beadwork artist, with her pieces exhibited at Remai Modern, Batoche National Historic Site, and the Edwards School of Business.

Sheila Andrews was born into a Métis family in Prince Albert Sk in 1967. As the youngest daughter in a family of 7 kids , I grew up in a much more innocent time when sexuality wasn’t discussed and gender was defined strictly male and female. From a very young age I knew something about myself was different. Before I started school I wanted to be a boy and I went by the name George. I didn’t want to go to kindergarten as my mom told me I had to go by my real name. I finally came out in the 80’s and have been a very proud member of the 2SLGBTQ ever since.

Nicki Ferland (she/they) is a two-spirit Métis mother, wife, aunty and helper. Her parents are both descended from scrip-bearing Métis families with ancestral roots in St. Vital and St-Boniface (Winnipeg), and Lorette, Manitoba. Nicki has a Master of Education in Indigenous Land-Based Education from the University of Saskatchewan, and is working on her PhD in that field. Her work and research are focused on (urban) land-based pedagogies and queering education. She is a sessional lecturer at the Universities of Winnipeg, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Nicki is vice-chair of the Two-Spirit Michif Local (Manitoba Métis Federation) and sits on Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak’s Two-Spirit National Committee on gender and culture-based violence. She is the Director of Land Based Education and Indigenous Curriculum at the University of Manitoba.

Lucy Delgado, PhD, (she/they) is a Two-Spirit Métis woman, born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her family were Sinclairs, Cummings, Prudens, some of whom took scrip in St Andrews and St Johns, and she also has other family and ancestors from Red River, Oxford House, Norway House, and Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, and settler family from Ireland and the Orkney Islands. Lucy is a community organizer, involved in a variety of local and national groups, and is actively involved with the Two-Spirit Michif Local of the Manitoba Métis Federation. She also serves on several boards, including the board of directors of Two-Spirit Manitoba and Full Circle for Indigenous Education. Lucy is one of the creators and Circle of Editors of Pawaatamihk: Journal of Métis Thinkers, an open-access academic journal focusing on lifting up the voices of Métis scholars, artists, and community members. Lucy is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba.

Benny Michaud (/he/she/they) is a proud tastawiiyinew (two-spirit/transgender person), and a citizen of the Metis Nation. Originally from St. Boniface in Manitoba, they are Michif on their mothers side and settler on their fathers. Their maternal family lines are Turcotte, Flamand, and Grant.

They are an alumnus of Carleton University and were central to the creation of an Indigenous student support office. In their current role as Director of the Centre for Indigenous Support and Community Engagement, they work with their team to ensure that Indigenous students have the academic, cultural, and spiritual support necessary to maintain their health and well-being. Throughout their career Benny has worked to support Two-Spirit and Indigenous youth in both the mental health and education sectors.

Benny is currently a PhD student at Carleton University focusing on the experiences of non-binary Metis people in community and ceremonial spaces.

Jay Crawford is a proud 2 Spirit Métis person from the Mattawa & Ottawa River historic Métis community. Jay is a B.A. graduate of the Carleton University Human Rights and Social Justice program with a focus on contemporary Indigenous rights issues.

Jay strives to give back to their community via their work with the Métis Nation of Ontario Secretariat. Jay’s role as Facilities Coordinator allows them to provide operational support to MNO programs ensuring that Ontario Métis Citizens are able to access the resources and services they require.

Tansi, Paige ohci niya! I was born and raised in Treaty 8, Northern Alberta. My family names are Nadeau, Cardinal, and Bruneau from the Lac La Biche as well as the River Valley area. I come to this council to represent my 2SLGBTQQIA+ Métis kin in rural and remote areas as our voices are easily missed.

I am a proud Métis Artist, whose heart is in Community Work, Land Stewardship, 2SLGBTQQIA+ as well as Women’s Rights. Being in Alberta isn’t easy when you’re queer, but I have always managed to get by with a very supportive family. Unfortunately, not everyone has a similar experience where I am from and could be even more isolating considering the lack of resources and community in these smaller rural communities. So I would like to do right by everyone in my spaces to feel safe and heard.

I am a lifelong learner, and I am always up to learn from stories and new experiences to try and understand the world a little better. My favorite teachers are the animals, the water, and the land.

Britney Supernault (she/they), also known as ‘Cree Nomad’ online, is a Two-Spirit, Métis-Cree person from East Prairie Métis Settlement located in Treaty 8 territory. Britney is an author, climate activist, public speaker, and social media personality. Cree Nomad published their debut novel ‘Hey, June’ in February 2024 which amassed a large readership allowing her to tour schools, libraries, Indigenous Communities, and book clubs all across Canada. Britney is currently working on her next novel as well as an illustrated children’s book to be released in 2025.

When not writing, Britney can be found championing for Indigenous Rights and Sovereignty at the forefront of international climate action. They began their work in climate activism as the North American Youth Delegate Knowledge Holder for LCIPP within UNFCCC where they spoke at COP28 in Dubai. Britney is now an independent contractor and works with many Indigenous organizations within climate sharing their knowledge of Nature Rights, Climate Justice, and Indigenous Sovereignty. They are currently the host of ‘The Neechie Mindset Podcast’ — an advice and wellness podcast geared toward Indigenous folks across Turtle Island.

Joshua Morin (They/Them) is a Two Spirit Michif (tastawiyiniwak) who was born and raised in the north side of Amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton). They are a citizen of the Métis Nation, with roots in the historic Métis communities of Mistahi Sakahikan (St. Albert), Manitou Sakahikan (Lac Ste. Anne), Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, Hay River, Northwest Territories, and, of course, Red River.

From birth, Joshua was raised in a traditional Métis household, always knowing they were Michif and growing up surrounded by Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Community Leaders. They are the former Vice President of the St. Albert Métis Local 1904, a former Otipemisiwak Métis Government Candidate for District Captain, and an active member of Pearson’s Publishing Indigenous Advisory Circle.

Joshua has spent the past 5+ years working in the non-profit and education sectors, advocating for Indigenous-led education and working to revitalize Indigenous languages such as Michif. They have held roles within high schools and organizations such as Archbishop O’Leary High School, the Centre for Race and Culture and Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society. Currently, they serve as President of Michif Cultural Connections, the Métis centre in St. Albert founded by their grandmother, Thelma Chalifoux.

Pixie Wells is a dedicated advocate and leader within the Métis community in British Columbia, Canada. Pixie born and raised on the West Coast, in British Columbia, currently residing in Abbotsford. Pixie is deeply involved in community work, holding roles such as the President of the Fraser Valley Métis Association (FVMA) and the 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples representative.

Pixie is known for her commitment to inclusion and equity, particularly for women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals within the Métis Nation. She has contributed to national initiatives like the National Action Plan for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples. Pixie’s work spans various boards, committees, and community groups, where she collaborates to create meaningful change and amplify marginalized voices.

Pixie also emphasizes the importance of cultural respect and acknowledgment, living and working on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Stó:lō people, including the Sema:th and Mathqwí First Nations. Her dedication to fostering inclusion and advocating for Métis citizens continues to inspire those around her.

Nic Taylor is a proud Two-Spirit Métis youth born and raised in rural Grand Valley, Ontario. They are a Métis Nation of Ontario citizen with deep roots in the Mattawa & Ottawa River historic Métis community, along with ancestral connections to St. Andrews, Manitoba. On their mother’s paternal side, they descend from family names such as Thomas and Beaudry. Nic comes from a long line of Hudson Bay voyagers, community farmers, and harvesters. Additionally, they are a descendant of Irish, Scottish, and Welsh settlers.

Nic is passionate about advocating for and uplifting other 2S and Indigiqueer youth. They currently work at Les Femme Michif Otipemisiwak as the 2SLGBTQQIA+ Initiatives Manager, alongside the Mawiiyahk Nakatikashoo 2SLGBTQQIA+ Committee. Nic earned a Bachelor’s in Social Science and is currently a graduate student doing a Master’s in Indigenous Education at Queens University.

In their personal life, Nic is a dog mom, multidisciplinary artist, and outdoor enthusiast with strong connections to the land, animals, and water around them.

Angel Whitford (she/her), Wind Dancer Woman, is a Two-Spirit Metis woman born in Treaty 6 in Northern SK and a member of MNS. As a survivor of the 60’s Scoop, Angel was adopted into a small Caucasian farming community in Southeast SK. Leaving this ever-foreign community as a young adult, Angel pursued a career in Psychiatric Nursing. In the mid 90’s Angel reconnected with some of her birth family. Angel’s maternal side is Cree/Scottish and paternal side is Ojibwe/French. Some family names are Trotchie, Trottier, Whiteford, Dumont, Bottineau, Fisher, Parisien, and
Pritchard. In SK historic roots come from Lebret, Round Prairie, St Isidore Bellevue, and Muskeg Lake. In MB ancestry is from St Norbert, St Francois Xavier both Red River settlements and St Boniface, as well as Turtle Mountain, ND. Angel spent 32 years of her nursing career working in provincial corrections while pursuing culture, ceremony, further training and natural wholistic healing. Angel completed numerous trainings that focus on healing with body, spirit, and emotional connection to the mind while learning to integrate culture into these practices.

Over the years Angel has worked as a bodyworker and action-based therapist as well as facilitated Indigenous groups in personal healing, professional training and education. Committee work has included Friends Against Indigenous Racism with SGEU and Spiral Gathering Committee for workshops addressing issues of sexual abuse. Angel received an exemplary service medal from her employer in 2020. With ancestor guidance, Angel retired from corrections in 2022 and returned to First Nations University of Canada full time to complete her BA in Indigenous Studies and Psychology. Through FNUC, Angel discovered 2 Spirit Manitoba’s Sun Dance. Angel committed to Sun Dancing with this first 2SLGBTQQIA Sun Dance on Turtle Island, led by Two-Spirit Metis elders. This ceremony community is now forever family and home for Angel. Sticking close to community and culture, Angel’s work is currently with Newo-Yotina Friendship Center at Nutr Mayzoon supportive housing to assist Indigenous kin who have been homeless and suffer from mental health and or addiction issues. Joining the mawiiyahk nakatikashoo committee is an honor. It expands Metis and Two-Spirit connections while giving an opportunity to serve community and spread the love of our ancestors.