Dr. Deb is Anishinaabekwe, a traditional knowledge practitioner, visual and performance artist, lecturer, writer, water protector, Indigenous life promotion ambassador and sturgeon clan member from Rainy River First Nation.
Growing up she was raised with her Grandmothers's love and commitment to sharing traditional Anishinaabek teachings and way of life.
Dr. Debby Wilson Danard PhD, MEd, BEd.
Dr. Debby Wilson Danard PhD, MEd, BEd.
Dr. Deb continues to advances traditional knowledge and Indigenous research with many urban (Friendship Centres, MNO, COO, BANAC) and on-reserve (Zhingwaako Za-iganing, Mnjinkaning) communities and organizations (Springwater Provincial Park, Simcoe District School Board) and several post-secondary institutions (University of Toronto St. George Campus, Mississauga Campus, York University, Trent University, Nippissing University).
While working as a Suicide Prevention Coach at the Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health, she co-founded the Feather Carriers: Leadership for Life Promotion (2015) an aspiring national wise (suicide prevention) practice .
Copper Thunderbird 2022
Born and (most times) raised in Atikokan, Ontario on my Anishinaabe ancestral lands now within the Grand Council Treaty #3 Territory, my worldview is shaped by the landscape and memory connection to land, water and all my relations.
I am inspired by the beautiful complexity of life and my artistic expression is very much my truth of being indigenous to this part of the world.
As a leader for change, Dr. Deb strengthens life from the heart of Indigenous identity, sovereignty and autonomy as an evolving, creative, and living continuum of knowing and being.